Jorrit Bergsma of the Netherlands secured a stunning gold medal in the men’s mass start speed skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, on Saturday.
The 40-year-aged Bergsma, a previous Olympic champion in the 10,000m at the 2014 Sochi Games, demonstrated remarkable endurance and tactical acumen to claim victory in what was billed as his final Olympic race. He finished ahead of Denmark’s Viktor Hald Thorup, who took silver, and Italy’s Andrea Giovannini, who secured the bronze medal.
Bergsma and Thorup established a significant lead over the rest of the field early in the race, creating a two-man breakaway that lasted for a considerable portion of the event. The pair maintained a half-lap advantage, forcing the chasing pack, led by reigning Olympic champion Bart Swings, to expend considerable energy in pursuit.
With three laps remaining, Bergsma and Thorup rejoined the main group, setting up a tense sprint finish. Bergsma then launched a decisive attack with two laps to go, opening a gap that his rivals were unable to close. This victory marks Bergsma’s second Olympic gold medal, adding to his 10,000m title from Sochi twelve years prior, and a bronze medal in the 10,000m at these Games.
The gold medal is the ninth for the Netherlands at the Milan-Cortina Games, making these Olympics the most successful in the nation’s history. Thorup’s silver medal represents Denmark’s first Olympic medal in speed skating in 28 years.
Bergsma is now the oldest male speed skater in Olympic history to win a gold medal. He is coached by Jillert Anema.
