Bart Swings is set to compete for his second Olympic gold medal in the mass start event at the upcoming Winter Olympics, aiming to overcome a challenging season and maintain his position as one of Belgium’s top speed skaters.
Sporza, Belgium, reports on Swings’ determination to defend his Olympic title despite a season marked by knee injuries and inconsistent performances.
After winning the mass start gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics and accumulating multiple European and World Championship titles, Swings has continued to push himself, earning the nickname “Rupsje Nooitgenoeg” or “Caterpillar Never Enough” for his relentless ambition. His recent academic achievements, including completing a civil engineering degree focused on energy reduction and artificial intelligence, highlight his balanced dedication both on and off the ice.
Swings faced a difficult period in 2025, struggling with a knee injury that threatened to hinder his Olympic preparations. In a candid moment, he expressed frustration with his situation, stating that he was looking for change after months of setbacks. However, his condition improved just before the season began, allowing him to regain form and claim the European mass start championship, although he has yet to secure a World Cup victory this season, finishing second once behind rival Jordan Stolz.
At these Winter Games, Swings’ performances in the 5,000 and 10,000-meter events have been more about building confidence than podium finishes, placing 15th and 10th respectively. Now all his focus is on the mass start, an event where he has previously excelled and won significant titles. It is also possibly one of his last chances to compete in this discipline, as the International Skating Union is considering replacing the mass start with an elimination race due to concerns about its predictability and tactical nature.
If the mass start is retained for this Olympics, Swings will benefit from the support of fellow Belgian Indra Médard, who is also competing in the event. Médard’s presence could provide strategic advantages in a race where teamwork can be crucial. Both athletes must first qualify through the semifinals to reach the final event, scheduled for later today in Milan-Cortina.
Looking ahead, discussions around changes to the Olympic speed skating programme could mean the 2026 mass start is one of the last times this event features at the Games. Despite this uncertainty, Swings remains focused on delivering a strong performance, leveraging experience and teamwork to try to secure another Olympic medal.
