Today Wrapped – February 21st 2026 Olympic Speed Skating

Summary of February 21st 2026

• Jorrit Bergsma and Marijke Groenewoud win Olympic gold in mass start speed skating.
• Groenewoud celebrates both athletic success and a personal engagement.
• Danish and Canadian skaters earn historic and repeat medals.
• Bart Swings aims to defend Olympic title but questions race dynamics.
• Dutch juniors show promise at Inzell World Cup events.

Olympic Mass Start Gold for Netherlands

Jorrit Bergsma claimed gold in the men’s mass start speed skating event with a surprising early attack and solo finish at Milano Cortina 2026, becoming the oldest Olympic speed skating champion in history. His aggressive strategy paid off as he led the race from near the start to secure his second Olympic gold, twelve years after his first victory. Read more at Jorrit Bergsma Wins Gold in Olympic Mass Start Speed Skating and Bergsma Becomes Oldest Olympic Speed Skating Champion.

In the women’s event, Marijke Groenewoud achieved her first individual Olympic gold medal in the mass start after overcoming a disappointing 1500m result. She added this to her silver in the team pursuit, marking a significant personal triumph. Her win was celebrated also with a romantic twist when her boyfriend Mike proposed to her backstage after the victory — which she accepted. Details can be found at
Marijke Groenewoud Wins Gold in Olympic Mass Start Speed Skating,
Marijke Groenewoud Proposes to by Partner After Winning Olympic Gold, and
Marijke Groenewoud Reflects on Olympic Gold in Mass Start Speed Skating.

Other Notable Podium Finishes

Ivanie Blondin of Canada secured her second consecutive Olympic silver medal in the women’s mass start, replicating her 2022 success. Viktor Hald Thorup won Denmark’s first individual Winter Olympic medal with a silver in the men’s event. Andrea Giovannini added to Italy’s medal tally with a bronze in the men’s mass start. Meanwhile, American Mia Manganello, aged 36, earned her first individual Olympic medal, a bronze in the mass start event, capping her Olympic career. More on these achievements:
Ivanie Blondin Secures Second Consecutive Olympic Silver,
Viktor Hald Thorup Wins Denmark’s First Individual Winter Olympic Medal,
Andrea Giovannini Claims Bronze in Mass Start, and
Mia Manganello Secures Bronze in Final Olympic Race of Career.

Race Insights and Athlete Perspectives

Belgian favorite Bart Swings, recovering from injury, aimed to secure a second Olympic title but expressed surprise and questioned the unusual dynamics of the mass start race, particularly the strategic behavior of top competitors Jordan Stolz and Jorrit Bergsma. Swings’ reflections can be explored in
Bart Swings Aims to Secure Second Olympic Title and
Bart Swings Questions Unusual Dynamics in Mass Start Race.

Jorrit Bergsma revealed that his early attack was unplanned but a reaction to competitor tactics, which proved decisive in bringing home gold. Jordan Stolz also reflected on his early attack strategy that shaped the race outcome.

Athlete Preparation and Team Success

Bente Kerkhoff and Marijke Groenewoud prepared carefully focusing on race tactics ahead of their events, underscoring the strategic depth behind their performances. Coach Jillert Anema celebrated mass start success with his Zaanlander team, who secured both gold medals in the men’s and women’s events at the Olympics. See Bente Kerkhoff Prepares for Women’s Mass Start and Coach Jillert Anema Celebrates Olympic Mass Start Success for details.

Veteran Performance and Athlete Longevity

Medal winners Kjeld Nuis, Jorrit Bergsma, and Francesca Lollobrigida showcased how athletes can achieve podium success beyond typical peak ages, emphasizing experience and endurance. Read more at
Age and Athletic Performance: Insights on Medal Winners.

Junior World Cup Highlights

Looking ahead, Dutch junior skaters Ede Kortlever and Jasmijn Veenhuis earned medals at the Junior World Cup in Inzell, showing promise for the future of speed skating. Their performances prepare them well for next week’s Junior World Championships. Full story at
Dutch Skaters Secure Medals at Junior World Cup in Inzell.

Additional Race Results

Fran Vanhoutte finished ninth despite illness, while Sandrine Tas secured 13th place after an aggressive approach in the mass start final. More info:
Fran Vanhoutte Finishes Ninth Despite Illness.

All information and images are from SpeedSkatingNews and linked original articles as noted.

Source articles

• Seven Questions Ahead of Bart Swings’ Mass Start at the 2026 Winter Olympics
• Marijke Groenewoud Aims for Redemption in Mass Start After Disappointing 1500m Performance
• Jorrit Bergsma’s Early Attack in Mass Start Was Unplanned at Milan Winter Olympics
• Jordan Stolz Reflects on Early Attack as Jorrit Bergsma Secures Bronze in Olympic Mass Start
• Jorrit Bergsma Wins Gold at Second Olympic Games After Strategy Shift
• Netherlands Secures Two Gold Medals in Olympic Speed Skating Mass Start Events