From Farming To Speed Skating: Iichi Marumo’s Incredible Journey at 95
Iichi Marumo didn’t plan on becoming a speed skater. He was 88 when a friend dared him to join a race, saying he’d probably get a medal just for showing up. He did ? and he hasn’t stopped since.
Now 95, Marumo is the only person competing in the “95 and over” category, created just for him. He skates slowly, carefully, often alone on the track, but always finishes with a smile ? and usually, a gold medal. In 2024, Guinness World Records recognized him as the oldest competitive male speed skater globally.
Marumo’s life has been full of twists and turns. As a teenager, he trained for a mission during World War II, but the war ended before deployment. He returned to farming, helped turn celery into a successful crop in his region, and still publishes a poetry magazine.
Earlier this year, during a snowy race, he fell and had to crawl to the finish line. It took 17 minutes, but he didn’t quit. After that, he said he was retiring ? but now he’s not so sure. For Marumo, skating isn’t about winning. It’s about moving forward, step by step, no matter your age.
May For The Teen Times teen/1744099714/1613367679
1. Why was a “95 and over” category created in speed skating competitions?
2. What happened during Marumo’s snowy race earlier this year?
3. How does Marumo feel about speed skating?
4. Besides skating, what else is Marumo known for doing today?
1. Do you think age should be a limit for trying new things? Why or why not?
2. How would you feel about competing in a race alone, like Marumo?
3. What does Marumo’s story teach us about perseverance?
4. What would you say to encourage someone who thinks they’re “too old” to start a new hobby?
Iichi Marumo didn’t plan on becoming a speed skater. He was 88 when a friend dared him to join a race, saying he’d probably get a medal just for showing up. He did ? and he hasn’t stopped since.
