In a display of strong team strategy and individual effort, the Netherlands claimed two gold medals in the Olympic speed skating mass start events.
NOS.nl, The Netherlands
Jorrit Bergsma secured the first gold after an early and unexpected attack, showcasing impressive endurance by outsmarting some of the fastest sprinters, including Jordan Stolz. Following Bergsma, Marijke Groenewoud claimed the second gold medal with a powerful sprint finish, completing a successful day for the Dutch team. Bergsma, aged 40, expressed his surprise at winning again twelve years after capturing the gold in the 10,000 meters event, joking about defending his title in four years.
The men’s final featured a swift breakaway initiated by Bergsma that was not part of the original strategy; teammate Stijn van de Bunt was expected to lead the attack. Van de Bunt played an important role, helping to disrupt the larger group behind. Rivals Stolz, Andrea Giovannini, and Bart Swings hesitated during the race’s critical moments, unsure how to respond, while Bergsma steadily extended his lead. Jillert Anema, the coach of both Bergsma and Groenewoud, acknowledged Van de Bunt’s valuable effort but noted Bergsma’s decisive move once the opportunity presented itself.
Groenewoud watched Bergsma’s victory from the sidelines before her own race, drawing inspiration from her teammate’s success. She then delivered a strong mass start performance in the women’s final, aided by teammate Bente Kerkhoff’s pacing that helped catch breakaway skaters and set up Groenewoud’s winning sprint. Anema recounted feeling motivated to ensure Groenewoud maintained her lead, particularly after observing competition from other skaters.
Despite earlier setbacks in individual events like the 1,500 meters, 3,000 meters, and 5,000 meters races, Groenewoud considered the mass start gold a satisfying conclusion to her Winter Games experience. She described the mass start as a tactical event that suits her strengths and expressed pride in the teamwork involved. Following the medal ceremony, Groenewoud was also surprised with a marriage proposal from her partner.
Bergsma reflected on the unpredictability of the mass start event, grateful for the outcome this year but modest about his future prospects, acknowledging the physical demands of continuing at this level for another Olympic cycle. Both athletes now plan to rest after a demanding competition schedule.
