Canadian speed skating champion Ted-Jan Bloemen, an Olympic champion and former world record holder in both the 5000m and 10,000m, has announced his retirement, bringing to a close a career defined by endurance, record-breaking performances and Olympic success.

From the Netherlands to Canada

Having learned to skate in the Netherlands, Bloemen transitioned to compete for Canada in 2014, a move that would shape the most successful years of his career.

His progression quickly established him among the world’s leading long-distance skaters.

Ted-Jan Bloemen waves on the podium after setting a world record time of 12.36.30 in the Men's 10,000m event  of the 2015 ISU World Cup Speed Skating in Kearns, USA © ISU

World record and Olympic success

In 2017, Bloemen broke Sven Kramer’s ten-year-old world record in the 5000m, underlining his status as one of the sport’s dominant endurance athletes.

He carried that form into the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, where he claimed gold in the 10,000m and silver in the 5000m, achieving the pinnacle of his career on the Olympic stage.

In 2020, he added a World Single Distance title in the 5000m to his list of achievements.

Ted-Jan Bloemen celebrates on the podium for winning gold during the men's 10,000m speed skating event at Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Gangneung, South Korea. © Getty Images

A farewell on the Olympic stage

Bloemen’s final race came at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, where he finished ninth in the 10,000m.

While the result did not reflect his career achievements, the moment carried a different kind of significance.

“I had a lot of beautiful moments and this was another beautiful moment in a different way,” Bloemen said.
 “Not in a performance way, but I think this was a beautiful goodbye at the biggest stage with my family and kids in the crowd.”

A future within the sport

Although he steps away from competition, Bloemen is not stepping away from speed skating.

“I really want to stay in speed skating,” he said.
 “I have learned a lot during my career… I think I still have a lot to bring to the sport.”

His focus now turns toward sharing his experience, potentially in a coaching role, as he looks to contribute to the next generation of athletes.

A legacy of endurance and progression

Bloemen’s career will be remembered for his strength over the longest distances, his world record performances and his Olympic success representing Canada.

From his early years in the Netherlands to standing atop the Olympic podium, his journey reflects one of persistence, adaptation and excellence in modern speed skating.

Ted-Jan Bloemen - Career Highlights

• Olympic Medals : 2 - 1 gold (10000m) and 1 silver (5000m) at the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 
• Former World Record Holder: 5000m (2017-2020), 10000m (2015-2020)
• International career span: 2009–2026