Canadian speed skater Ted-Jan Bloemen concluded his Olympic career with a ninth-place finish in the men’s 10,000 meters. This event took place on Friday at Milano Speed Skating Stadium in Italy. The 39-year-old skater completed the race in 13:00.01, supported by his family, including his parents, wife, daughter, and son.
Ted-Jan Bloemen: A Remarkable Olympic Journey
Known for his exceptional talent, Bloemen previously secured a gold medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. During that event, he set an Olympic record of 12:39.77 in the 10,000 meters. Reflecting on his final race, he expressed his emotions candidly, stating, “I guess it’s the end. It hasn’t sunk in yet.” Bloemen acknowledged that his performance did not meet the pace required for a medal.
Race Performance Details
The ninth-place finish marked the end of an era for the veteran athlete. Despite not achieving a medal, Bloemen emphasized his commitment. “I hope everybody saw that I gave it everything that I had every lap,” he mentioned, highlighting his efforts throughout the race.
Highlights from the Event
- Gold Medalist: Metodej Jilek from Czechia finished first with a time of 12:33.43.
- Silver Medalist: Vladimir Semirunniy, representing Poland, secured second place, marking a significant moment as the first Polish man on the podium since 2014.
- Bronze Medalist: Jorrit Bergsma of the Netherlands completed the podium with a time of 12:40.48.
- Sixth Place: Hometown favorite Davide Ghiotto clocked in at 12:46.72, following his recent world record achievement.
Bloemen also participated in the men’s 5,000 meters event, where he finished 13th. He previously won a silver medal in the same event during the 2018 Olympics. In addition to his Olympic successes, Bloemen set a world record in the 10,000 in 2015 and clinched another in the 5,000 two years later.
As Bloemen reflects on his career, he will undoubtedly be remembered for his remarkable contributions to speed skating. His ability to balance sport and family life has inspired many, showcasing the dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of competition.
