Jordan Stolz Pursues Four Gold Medals in U.S. Speedskating Quest
The U.S. speedskating sensation Jordan Stolz is set to chase four gold medals at the Winter Olympics in Milan. His journey includes a competitive focus on the 1,000-meter event, making his Olympic aspirations more significant than ever.
Jordan Stolz’s Olympic Background
At just 17 years old, Jordan Stolz competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics, becoming the youngest male athlete on Team USA. During those Games, he finished 13th in the 500-meter and 14th in the 1,000-meter events.
Recent Achievements
Since the 2022 Olympics, Stolz has made a formidable comeback. He dominated the world championships in 2023 and 2024, sweeping the 500-meter, 1,000-meter, and 1,500-meter events. This feat earned him the title of the youngest male World Allround champion in 46 years.
In January 2024, he set the world record in the 1,000-meter with an impressive time of 1:05.37. Moreover, Stolz is currently enjoying a 14-race unbeaten streak in the 1,000-meter at the World Cup level.
Confidence Going Into the Games
Stolz exudes confidence as he prepares for the Olympics. He noted, “The preparation has been going well, and my body feels good.” This confidence is crucial as he aims to capture medals in multiple events.
Chasing History in Milan
In Milan, Stolz aims for gold in the 500-meter, 1,000-meter, and 1,500-meter events. He might also compete in the men’s mass start. Achieving at least three gold medals would place him alongside Eric Heiden as one of the only Americans to accomplish this feat at a single Winter Games.
Formidable Competitors
Stolz faces tough competition from the Dutch speedskaters Jenning De Boo and Joep Wennemars, both of whom are strong contenders in the 1,000-meter event. Historically, they have dominated the Olympic stage, winning three consecutive gold medals in this discipline.
The last American man to win Olympic gold in the 1,000-meter was Shani Davis, who achieved this in both 2006 and 2010.
Handling Pressure
Despite the immense pressure associated with the Winter Olympics, Stolz aims to treat the competition like any other race. He stated, “There’s more pressure on this one because you’ve been training for it for four years, but at the end of the day, it’s going to the line and competing like usual.”
With his recent achievements and mindset, Jordan Stolz is poised to make a significant impact in Milan as he pursues four gold medals in his quest for Olympic glory.
