Jordan Stolz Pursues 1000m Olympic Gold in 2026 Winter Games Debut

Jordan Stolz is setting his sights on Olympic gold in the 1000m for the 2026 Winter Games. The young American speed skater has emerged as a formidable competitor in the short track realm, particularly following his strong performances at recent world events.

Rivalries Heat Up

Among Stolz’s main competitors are Dutch skaters Jenning de Boo and Joep Wennemars, along with Poland’s Damian Zurek. De Boo, just four months older than Stolz, has established himself as a key rival by outperforming him in previous competitions.

World Championship Highlights

• At the 2025 World Championships, de Boo secured gold in the 500m and silver in the 1000m.
• Wennemars claimed the 1000m title, marking a family legacy, as his father won world titles in 2003 and 2004.
• Despite faltering towards the end of the season and finishing fourth in the last three World Cup races, de Boo remains ranked third in 1000m.
• Wennemars follows closely behind in fourth position.

Zurek has also made notable strides, achieving two silver medals in the 1000m season finale, both times behind Stolz. He notably outperformed Stolz in the last two 500m races leading up to the Olympics.

Olympic Record Races

This season has been marked by remarkable speed. All three races held in Milan saw athletes setting Olympic record times. The current 1000m record, standing at 1 minute, 7.18 seconds, was established during the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. Stolz has displayed extraordinary prowess, winning four out of five 1000m races in under 1:07.

A Historic Achievement

This achievement is especially significant. No male skater had recorded such times outside the Olympic venues of Salt Lake City and Calgary, where altitude plays a role. Stolz’s performances, particularly in February 2025, signal his readiness for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

As the 2026 Winter Games approach, Stolz’s aspirations for Olympic gold in the 1000m are not just a dream but a well-defined goal supported by his current competitive edge. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can cement his place among the sport’s greats.