Jorrit Bergsma of the Netherlands made history by becoming the oldest Olympic Champion in Long Track Speed Skating, winning the men’s Mass Start event at the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina.
According to ISU Skating, the 40-year-old skater broke away from the field early alongside Denmark’s Viktor Hald Thorup. Bergsma ultimately claimed gold after a solo finish, while Thorup secured silver for Denmark, marking their first Winter Olympic medal in 28 years. Italy’s Andrea Giovannini captured the bronze after winning a bunch sprint against Jordan Stolz of the United States.
The men’s race started with a surprising lack of initiative from the pack, forcing Stolz to take the lead in the initial laps. Bergsma initiated an attempt to break away and was joined by Thorup, who took on an active role in maintaining their lead. Bergsma described their cooperation as crucial to their success before launching a final attack to finish alone. Wearing race number 13, a number he considers lucky, Bergsma reflected on the significance of his achievement given his age and anticipated challenges in the coming years.
Thorup expressed pride in securing Denmark’s first Winter Games medal since 1998, highlighting the personal and national significance of the accomplishment. Italians in the final included Giovannini, who had to compete without his teammate Daniele Di Stefano, and managed to outperform Jordan Stolz in the sprint for bronze. The Belgian team made an unsuccessful effort to close the gap during the final laps.
In the women’s Mass Start, Marijke Groenewoud of the Netherlands delivered a strong final lap to win gold. Ivanie Blondin of Canada followed with silver, and Mia Manganello of the United States completed the podium with bronze. Groenewoud was inspired by Bergsma’s victory and received an engagement proposal immediately after the race, balancing the joy of both achievements.
Both Blondin and Manganello announced that this Olympic Mass Start would be their final race in speed skating. Blondin reflected on her career’s persistence and resilience and noted plans to pursue bike racing moving forward. Manganello celebrated earning her first individual Olympic medal and expressed satisfaction with her career’s conclusion at the Games.
