Jordan Stolz Poised to Redefine Olympic Speed Skating

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Jordan Stolz is emerging as a potential icon of Olympic speed skating. The 21-year-old from Wisconsin stands out not just for his impressive achievements but also for his potential to capture the public’s imagination during the Milano Cortina Games.

Jordan Stolz: A Rising Star in Speed Skating

Stolz has established himself as a formidable force in speed skating, boasting a remarkable record of seven world championships. His prowess spans multiple events, including the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m, making him a strong contender for gold medals in each. Additionally, he is expected to compete in the mass start event, expanding his chances for Olympic glory.

Olympic Schedule Highlights

• Wed, Feb 11: Men’s 1000m at 12:30 PM
• Sat, Feb 14: Men’s 500m at 11:00 AM
• Thu, Feb 19: Men’s 1500m at 10:30 AM
• Sat, Feb 21: Men’s Mass Start semi-finals at 3:00 PM
• Sat, Feb 21: Men’s Mass Start final at 4:40 PM

Should Stolz manage to sweep the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m events, he would become only the second American athlete to earn more than two gold medals in a single Winter Games. The last time this occurred was in 1980 when speed skater Eric Heiden achieved an extraordinary five gold medals. A fourth gold in the mass start would further elevate Stolz into an elite category alongside Olympic legends.

The Path to the Olympics

Stolz’s journey began at the age of five, when he first skated on a local pond in Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Over the years, his passion evolved into serious training at the Pettit National Ice Center, where his dedication deepened.

Training and Technique

Stolz’s meticulous approach to training sets him apart. With a desire for perfection, he has invested hours analyzing equipment and optimizing his skating technique. Unlike many athletes who thrive in chaos, Stolz appreciates that speed skating relies on careful planning and engineering.

Recent Success

In the past two seasons, Stolz’s dominance has been highlighted by an impressive winning streak in World Cups. His ability to consistently outperform his competitors has positioned him as a key figure in the sport, even as he remains somewhat under the radar within the broader American sports landscape.

Challenges Ahead

While Stolz prepares for the Olympics, he acknowledges that the journey is not without its hurdles. Injuries, illness, and other unexpected challenges have tested his resilience. However, he has honed the ability to focus on execution during races, treating pressure as merely background noise.

Public Perception and Recognition

Stolz is already well-known in speed skating’s heartland, the Netherlands, where recognition is a common occurrence. Despite his growing fame, he remains grounded, valuing quiet moments away from the spotlight to maintain balance in his life.

Looking Forward

As the Milano Cortina Olympics approach, Jordan Stolz is ready to step onto the biggest stage of his career. With meticulous training, a strong support system, and a unique mindset, he aims to redefine Olympic speed skating and etch his name into the history books.

“I just focus on how I’m feeling and what I think is possible,” Stolz shared. His journey has only just begun, but his sights are firmly set on making Olympic history.