Bergsma schrijft geschiedenis met brons op 10 kilometer

2026-02-13 sport

Milaan, vrijdag, 13 februari 2026.
Jorrit Bergsma, 40, pakt olympisch brons op de 10 kilometer in Milaan. Hij is daarmee de oudste medaillewinnaar ooit in het langebaanschaatsen. Zijn podiumplaats maakt een hattrick complete: goud in 2014, zilver in 2018, nu brons in 2026. De gouden medaille gaat naar verrassingsman Metodej Jilek uit Tsjechië, slechts 19 jaar oud. Bergsma rijdt tegen thuisfavoriet Davide Ghiotto en houdt stand. Op de tribune draagt zijn coach Jillert Anema een pruik ter ere van de dag. Nederland jubelt, de vlag wappert in het stadion.

oldest medalist in history

Jorrit Bergsma, at 40 years old, became the oldest medalist in the history of Olympic long-track speed skating by securing bronze on the 10,000 meters at the Olympic Winter Games Milan 2026 [1]. His time of 12:40.48 placed him behind Czech surprise winner Metodej Jilek, who claimed gold with 12:33.43, and Polish silver medalist Vladimir Semirunniy, finishing in 12:39.08 [1][2]. Bergsma surpassed the prior age record held by Finnish skater Clas Thunberg, who earned silver at age 38 during the 1932 Lake Placid Games [3].

completion of a historic hat-trick

With this bronze, Bergsma completed a rare Olympic hat-trick across three consecutive Games [4]. He previously captured gold in Sochi 2014 and silver in PyeongChang 2018 on the same distance [5]. This achievement solidifies his legacy among the greatest endurance specialists in speed skating history [6]. Fans celebrated widely online, highlighting national pride sparked by his longevity and resilience [7]. Bergsma dedicated the effort to consistent preparation despite being nearly twice the age of some competitors such as Jilek, who is just 19 [8].

a surprise gold amidst strong competition

Metodej Jilek’s victory marked a breakthrough moment for Czech speed skating, making him the nation’s first male Olympic champion in the discipline [9]. At 19, he is 21 years younger than Bergsma, emphasizing generational shifts within elite competition [10]. Jilek finished 2.97 seconds outside the existing Olympic record yet dominated rivals including Italian favorite Davide Ghiotto, the home crowd contender and reigning world record holder [11]. The race confirmed shifting dynamics in long-distance skating, where traditional powerhouses face rising challenges from emerging nations [12].

national hopes fulfilled after earlier setbacks

This success followed initial disappointment when Dutch hopes appeared dashed after teammate Stijn van de Bunt narrowly missed the podium, finishing fifth in 12:45.75 [13]. Early reports suggested Netherlands struggled on day seven, particularly after Kimberley Bos placed ninth in skeleton’s opening heat [14]. However, Bergsma’s podium finish restored momentum, marking the country’s first medal in men’s 10,000 meters since 2014 [15]. Coach Jillert Anema visibly celebrated wearing a special wig created by friends ahead of these Games, symbolizing shared joy beyond athletic achievement [16].

Bronnen

Olympische Spelen Jorrit Bergsma