Veteran speed skater Ted-Jan Bloemen finished ninth in the men’s 10,000 meters event in Italy, marking the end of his Olympic career at the age of 39. Bloemen, accompanied by his parents, wife, daughter, and son at Milano Speed Skating Stadium, completed 25 laps in a time of 13:00.01. Eight years ago, he set a Winter Games record of 12:39.77 on his way to winning a gold medal in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Expressing his emotions, Bloemen told CBC Sports, “I guess it’s the end.” He acknowledged his inability to maintain the necessary pace for a medal this time but emphasized his unwavering effort throughout the race. Prior to this event, he finished 13th in the men’s 5,000 meters after securing a silver medal in 2018.
Bloemen, originally from the Netherlands and now based in Calgary, set world records in the 10,000 meters in 2015 and the 5,000 meters two years later. Last year, he reinvigorated his commitment to the sport, balancing it with family life and achieving a third-place finish in a World Cup 5,000 event in Calgary in November.
Metodej Jilek from Czechia clinched the gold medal in the 10,000 meters with a time of 12:33.43, beating out Vladimir Semirunniy, who became the first Polish man on the podium since 2014. Bloemen, who competed alongside the 19-year-old Jilek, praised the youngster’s rapid progress and humble approach to the sport.
Jilek, who won the only World Cup 10,000 race this season, expressed his belief in further improvement and growth opportunities in his training. Jorrit Bergsma of the Netherlands secured the bronze medal in 12:40.48, adding to his previous Olympic successes.
A year ago, Jilek claimed victory in the 5,000 meters at the world junior championships and later earned a bronze at the senior world championships. Despite finishing second in the 5,000 meters final in Milan, Jilek’s performance showcased his potential for future achievements.
Davide Ghiotto, a local favorite and the 2022 Olympic bronze medalist and reigning world champion in the 10,000 meters, finished sixth with a time of 12:46.72. Bloemen announced his plans to transition into coaching, aiming to share his knowledge and inspire the next generation with his work ethic and dedication to the sport.