Age is Just a Number: Meet the 95-Year-Old Speedskating Sensation

From farming to poetry and breathtaking speed skating, Iichi Marumo represents an inspiring journey of resilience and passion at 95 years old.

 

At 95 years young, Iichi Marumo is not just any septuagenarian; he has earned the title of the world’s oldest competitive speed skater. Marumo's journey through life has been as colorful as it is inspiring—spanning from farming in Japan, to publishing poetry, and even volunteering for a kamikaze mission during World War II.

Marumo took to competitive speed skating in his late 80s and has since left his mark on the international stage. In his debut international race seven years ago in Moscow, he finished with a time that was a simplistic jog compared to his fellow competitors. However, at 88 years old, his performance earned him a silver medal in the age category for those 85 and older. That first experience ignited a flame, and since then, he has exclusively taken home gold medals.

Competing in Japan's national championships just last January, Marumo entered a newly established category—95 and over, which currently features no competition. "I win a gold medal every time I appear," he shared, pointing to a collection of over 20 golden trophies gathered from different countries including Holland and Canada.

Physical attributes aside, with slightly bowed legs and an infectious smile, Marumo is an embodiment of tenacity and spirit. His unyielding dedication has earned him recognition from Guinness World Records as the oldest male competitive speedskater, outshining a younger Norwegian rival by five years.

While he is indeed a living legend in the sport, Marumo’s story serves as an extraordinary reminder that passion knows no age. The oldest active female competitor, for what it’s worth, is an impressive 80-year-old from the Netherlands, proving that the skating arena is increasingly becoming an age-defying domain. As Marumo gears up for future competitions, his sights remain set—not just on medals, but also on reaching the centennial milestone of life.