In brief
Iichi Marumo, who began his competitive speedskating career in his late 80s, has captured the spotlight as the oldest male speedskater alive. With over 20 gold medals to his name, Marumo continues to break records at the age of 95 and has recently been competing in a unique category created just for him.
At 95, Iichi Marumo has become an emblem of vitality and resilience in the world of speedskating. Having started his competitive journey in his late 80s, Marumo has defied expectations and norms, competing in races typically dominated by much younger skaters. His debut occurred in Moscow, where he finished the race at a leisurely pace, earning a silver medal in the 85 and older category.Fast forward seven years, and Marumo now claims a new title—he is the only competitor in the 95 and over age category, where he has consistently won gold. In January 2024, he competed in a national race in Japan, further solidifying his status. His collection of achievements includes more than 20 gold medals gathered from competitions both in Japan and abroad, including notable races in Holland and Canada.Living in Chino, Japan, Marumo has spent his life not just in speedskating but also farming, writing poetry, and even participating in World War II as a kamikaze pilot. His remarkable journey has been recognized by Guinness World Records, which honors him as the oldest male competitive speedskater globally. Currently, his closest rival is a Norwegian competitor who is five years his junior.With his infectious smile and unwavering spirit, Iichi Marumo continues to inspire, showcasing that age is merely a number. As he sets his sights on reaching the age of 100, the world watches with admiration, eager to see what milestones he will conquer next.
