In brief
At 95, Iichi Marumo has become a remarkable figure in the speedskating world, recently competing in a category created exclusively for him, demonstrating an indomitable spirit and remarkable achievements in sports.
At 95 years old, Iichi Marumo continues to defy age norms in the world of speed skating. This remarkable Japanese athlete, who took up the sport competitively at 88, has dedicated his life to various pursuits including farming, poetry, and even serving as a kamikaze pilot during World War II. Now, he is focused on gold medals, having established himself as the world’s oldest male competitive speedskater.In his latest race in January, Marumo competed in a newly formed category for skaters aged 95 and over — a category he has all to himself, given his age. Earlier in his career, he made waves by winning a silver medal during his debut at an international event in Moscow. Today, his mantel is adorned with over 20 gold medals from competitions across the globe, including those in Holland and Canada.Mr. Marumo, with a charming smile, humorously expressed, “I win a gold medal every time I appear.” His competitive journey began later than most, yet he embraces the sport with a youthful energy rare for someone his age. Acclaimed by Guinness World Records, he remains a trailblazer in senior athletics. His closest competitor is a 90-year-old Norwegian skater, while the oldest active female speedskater is an 80-year-old from the Netherlands.Marumo's impressive achievements serve as an inspiration, proving that age is merely a number when it comes to pursuing one’s passions. A true testament to resilience, he showcases not just athleticism but also the beauty of lifelong dedication in sport.
