In brief
The life of Iichi Marumo, who began competitive speedskating at 88, is a testament to resilience. With over 20 gold medals, he now competes in a unique 95 and over category, showcasing his enduring spirit and determination.
At 95, Iichi Marumo stands as the world’s oldest competitive speedskater, defying age and expectations as he trains for his next race. Born in a small Japanese town, Marumo originally spent his youth as a farmer and a poet before taking an unusual route during World War II, when he volunteered for a kamikaze mission. It wasn't until he was in his late 80s that he discovered his love for speedskating, a sport he had always admired but never pursued competitively.In the past seven years, Marumo's competitive journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His debut at an international race in Moscow saw him skating at a pace that was roughly similar to a brisk jog, yet he remarkably placed second in his age category of 85 and older—a testament to his unique talent. Now, the 95-year-old Japanese skater finds himself consistently earning gold medals, competing in a class designed exclusively for 95 and older athletes, which he has dominated without challenge.Residing in Chino, Japan, Marumo is a small man with a cheerful demeanor, and his spirit reflects his mantra: "I win a gold medal every time I appear." His collection of over 20 gold medals adorns his home, some from notable races across the globe, including the Netherlands and Canada. As he continues to break records and inspire others, Marumo maintains a tight grip on the title of the world’s oldest male competitive speedskater, with his nearest competitor being a Norwegian skater five years his junior. Marumo’s story serves as an uplifting reminder of the human spirit and the lengths one can go to chase their passion, regardless of age.
