Anne Bergsma continues to provide guidance and support to his son, Jorrit Bergsma, as the speed skater develops his technique and competes at a high level.
Schaatsen.nl, published in the Netherlands, reports on this father-son relationship and collaboration in the world of speed skating.
Jorrit Bergsma is refining his own skating style with an emphasis on long, effective strides and a distinctive falling motion, techniques which his father, Anne Bergsma, also teaches to Jorrit’s middle brother despite them training with different coaches. Their frequent discussions about skating technique show a continuous exchange of ideas, with Anne often attending training sessions at Thialf as an observer. After practice, Jorrit invites his father’s feedback with a nod, and as of three weeks prior to the Olympic Games, Anne noted that Jorrit’s form looks strong but suggested there is still room for improvement in the corners.
Beyond technical advice, Anne serves as Jorrit’s personal driver, especially for domestic marathon events. Anne cited safety concerns as his main reason for taking on this role, explaining that he has witnessed riders driving tired and late at night after competitions, sometimes resulting in serious accidents. To prevent such risks, Anne drives Jorrit himself, frequently traveling across the country on Saturday evenings. They use a comfortable Lynk&Co station wagon, a recent replacement for Anne’s longtime preferred Mercedes. During these drives, they share conversations or listen to music, with Jorrit sometimes resting on the back seat.
Anne’s background includes working as a truck driver and later for NAM and Shell before retiring and occasionally driving touring coaches. He also enjoys following the sport, appreciating both marathon races and individual distances like the five and ten kilometers.
Although now over 40 years old, Jorrit Bergsma, who competes for Team Albert Heijn Zaanlander, remains in excellent shape and continues to demonstrate great enthusiasm for speed skating. His career has brought him numerous titles, cups, and medals, as well as his marriage to American former skater Heather Richardson, a four-time world champion. The couple lives with their two children, Brent and Barbara, close to Jorrit’s childhood home in Aldeboarn.
