Age is just a number, and Jorrit Bergsma is living proof. At 40, the Dutch speed skating legend just claimed Olympic gold in the mass start, defying expectations and continuing a remarkable trend of 40-somethings dominating the Milano Cortina Games. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a testament to experience and resilience, or a sign that younger athletes are struggling to rise to the top? Let’s dive in.
Bergsma, sporting his signature mullet, crossed the finish line in 7:55.50, leaving Denmark’s Viktor Hald Thorup and Italy’s Andrea Giovannini in his wake. This victory marked his second medal of these Games and his first Olympic gold since 2014. Notably, he denied American sensation Jordan Stolz the chance to become the first man in 32 years to win three long-track speed skating golds at a single Olympics. Stolz, just 21, had already secured gold in the 500m and 1000m, along with silver in the 1500m, but admitted, “Everybody settled for third, honestly. Nobody wanted to get the gold.”
Bergsma’s win adds him to an elite group of 40-something athletes claiming individual gold at these Games, alongside U.S. bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor and Austrian snowboarder Benjamin Karl. Before Milano Cortina, the only athlete aged 40 or older to achieve this feat was Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjørndalen in 2014. And this is the part most people miss: Bergsma’s strategy was as brilliant as it was bold. Starting near the back of the pack, he remained calm, steadily moving forward alongside Thorup. By the midpoint of the 16-lap race, they were leading by nearly 300 meters, almost lapping the field. Bergsma’s final push on the second-to-last lap sealed his victory, leaving competitors in awe.
“That was crazy, mind-blowing,” Bergsma said. “I expected a tough final, but no one wanted to make the first move. I took the initiative, and it paid off.” His ability to conserve energy while staying out of trouble showcased the wisdom of experience—a trait younger athletes might still be honing.
Meanwhile, Stolz’s performance raises questions. Despite his incredible speed, he couldn’t close the gap on the leaders. “I thought others would take the lead, but they all followed me,” he said. “Even in the final laps, I was pulling, but there was no catching Bergsma and Thorup.” Stolz leaves Italy with two golds and a silver, becoming only the second man to complete the 500m-1000m double at a single Olympics. Yet, his comments hint at a tactical game that didn’t fully play in his favor. Was it a missed opportunity, or simply the brilliance of Bergsma’s strategy?
Looking ahead, Bergsma, who will be 44 at the next Winter Olympics, hasn’t ruled out defending his title in 2030. “Four years will be tough, especially with young talent rising,” he admitted. “But I’m not done yet.” This begs the question: Can experience truly outpace youth in the long run?
In the women’s mass start, USA’s Mia Manganello, 36, claimed bronze in her final Winter Games. The gold went to the Netherlands’ Marijke Groenewoud, with Canada’s Ivanie Blondin securing silver for the second consecutive Games. Their performances further highlight the impact of seasoned athletes on the Olympic stage.
So, what do you think? Is the success of 40-something athletes a triumph of experience, or a reflection of shifting dynamics in Olympic sports? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
