For Dutch speedskater, age doesn’t matter.

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Victor Mather and Doug MillsFebruary 21, 2026 at 08:27 PM

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At the 2026 Olympics, Dutch speedskater Jorrit Bergsma, age 40, won gold in the men's mass start event, securing the first gold for the Dutch men's team after previous silver and bronze medals. Bergsma, a 2014 gold medalist, broke away with a Danish skater and held on to win, defeating American Jordan Stolz. In the women's mass start, Marijke Groenewoud of the Netherlands won gold, her first Olympic gold at age 27. Ivanie Blondin of Canada took silver, and veteran American Mia Kilburg won bronze. The Netherlands continued their strong performance in speedskating, while Italy also secured a gold medal in the longer events.

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Key Player Opposition Context

Canada 30% Andrea Giovannini 30% Denmark 40% Ivanie Blondin 40% Mia Kilburg 40% Italy 40% Francesca Lollobrigida 50% Jordan Stolz 60% Marijke Groenewoud 60% Viktor Hald Thorup ×370% Netherlands ×280% Jorrit Bergsma ×490%

Keywords

speedskating 100% olympics 90% gold medal 80% dutch 70% mass start 70% jorrit bergsma 60% women's sprint 50% veteran 50% francesca lollobrigida 40% marijke groenewoud 40%