Jorrit Bergsma, the Dutch long-distance speed skater, is reflecting positively on his recent performances after achieving unexpected Olympic success earlier this year.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch news outlet specializing in skating, reports on Bergsma’s comments and performances during the national allround championships in March.
On the first day of March, Bergsma celebrated his 40th birthday while being in high spirits, buoyed by the attention following his Olympic achievements in Milan. He secured a gold medal in the mass start and a bronze in the 10,000 meters, accomplishments that exceeded many expectations. He continues to relish these successes and the recognition they have brought, remaining cheerful and optimistic regardless of his current results on the ice.
Focusing on his specialty—the long-distance events—Bergsma delivered a strong performance at the national championships. He completed a quarter-hour time of 12:52.76, despite a minor error of 31 seconds, maintaining consistently impressive lap times in the thirties and concluding with two laps in the 29-second range. These efforts earned him first place in the distance and improved his position in the overall standings, although not enough to secure a podium finish in the national allround competition. Ultimately, he placed fifth, mirroring his result from 2015, indicating a consistent level of performance over the years.
Bergsma expressed that the current season feels significantly different from previous ones, particularly compared to 2014. He referenced the challenges he faced after the 2014 Winter Olympics, which included considerable negative attention that affected him personally. In contrast, he describes this period as a celebration, with positive experiences and supportive reactions from fans who moved to tears by his performances. The athlete conveyed his contentment and positive mindset as he embarked on the national championships, emphasizing the joy surrounding his sport at this time.
