Dutch Speed Skating Legend Jorrit Bergsma Secures Gold in Mass Start Event
Jorrit Bergsma, the celebrated 40-year-old speed skater from the Netherlands, emerged as a popular and triumphant winner in the men's mass start event on Saturday afternoon at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Bergsma's victory marks his second medal of these Games and his first Olympic gold since the 2014 Sochi Olympics, solidifying his status as a veteran champion in the sport.
Bergsma's Strategic Race to Victory
Bergsma completed the race with a winning time of 7:55.50, finishing ahead of Viktor Hald Thorup from Denmark and Andrea Giovannini from Italy. His performance was a masterclass in patience and strategy, as he started near the back of the pack in 15th place after the initial lap. Over the course of the 16-lap race, Bergsma steadily advanced, working alongside Thorup to lead for much of the middle segment while conserving energy and avoiding collisions.
With only five laps remaining, Bergsma and Thorup had built a commanding lead of nearly 300 meters, nearly lapping the rest of the field. Bergsma made his decisive move on the penultimate lap, seizing control of the lead and powering through the final stretch with minimal resistance from competitors. This tactical approach allowed him to secure the gold medal in impressive fashion.
Denying Jordan Stolz's Historic Bid
The race also featured a notable storyline involving American speed skater Jordan Stolz, who was aiming to become the first man in 32 years to win three long-track speed skating gold medals at a single Olympics. Stolz, aged 21 from Wisconsin, had already achieved gold in the 500m and 1000m events with Olympic-record times, along with a silver in the 1500m earlier in the Games.
Stolz took an early lead but soon settled into the middle of the peloton, remaining competitive throughout. Despite a strong closing burst in the final laps, he was unable to overtake Giovannini for a medal position. Reflecting on the race, Stolz expressed frustration, stating, "Everybody settled for third, honestly. Nobody wanted to get the gold." He added that pulling back the leaders would have jeopardized his chances for any medal, highlighting the strategic complexities of mass start events.
Continuing the Trend of 40-Something Champions
Bergsma's gold medal adds to a growing trend of athletes in their 40s achieving individual victories at the Milano Cortina Games. He joins U.S. bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, age 41, and Austrian snowboarder Benjamin Karl as the third athlete over 40 to win an individual gold at these Olympics. Prior to this year, the only Winter Olympian aged 40 or older to secure an individual gold was Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjørndalen in 2014.
Bergsma's previous performance at these Games included a bronze medal in the 10,000m event eight days earlier, showcasing his enduring skill and competitiveness on the international stage.
Women's Mass Start Results
In the women's mass start event, the gold medal was claimed by reigning world champion Marijke Groenewoud of the Netherlands, with Ivanie Blondin of Canada taking silver for the second consecutive Olympics. U.S. athlete Mia Manganello, competing in her final Winter Games at age 36, earned the bronze medal, adding to the narrative of experienced athletes achieving podium finishes.
The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics continue to highlight the prowess and resilience of veteran competitors, with Bergsma's victory serving as a testament to the longevity and strategic depth required in elite speed skating.
