Top 4 U.S. Speedskaters to Watch at the Olympics

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan are set to showcase America’s top speedskaters, each bringing unique stories and aspirations. As Team USA aims for glory, four athletes stand out as key competitors in their respective events.

Top 4 U.S. Speedskaters to Watch at the Olympics

1. Jordan Stolz

Jordan Stolz, 21, from Kewaskum, Wisconsin, is a rising star in the speedskating world. Despite not medaling at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Stolz has achieved significant milestones since. He has secured 10 world championship medals and set the world record in the men’s 1000 meters.

Known for his aggressive skating style, Stolz has drawn comparisons to legendary skater Eric Heiden. Heiden himself declared Stolz as “the best I’ve ever seen.” Stolz aims for four medals in Milan, competing in:

• Men’s 1000m (February 11)
• Men’s 500m (February 14)
• Men’s 1500m (February 19)
• Men’s Mass Start (February 21)

2. Kristen Santos-Griswold

Kristen Santos-Griswold, 31, from Fairfield, Connecticut, is a short track star seeking redemption. After a near-medal finish at the 2022 Beijing Olympics ended in a crash, Santos-Griswold contemplated her future in the sport. With support and determination, she decided to return to competition.

Santos-Griswold has since enjoyed a successful career, recently claiming the world champion title and the Crystal Globe for consistent excellence. She aims to approach the upcoming races with a renewed mindset. Her events include:

• Short Track Mixed Team Relay (February 10)
• Short Track Women’s 500m (February 12)
• Short Track Women’s 3000m Relay (February 18)

3. Erin Jackson

Erin Jackson, 33, hails from Ocala, Florida, and made history at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. She became the first American female speedskater since Bonnie Blair to clinch gold in the women’s 500 meters. Additionally, she is recognized as the first Black woman to win an individual speedskating event.

Jackson’s journey was supported by her teammate Brittany Bowe, who gave up her Olympic spot to allow Jackson to compete in the 500 meters. In Milan, she will face off in the:

• Women’s 1000m (February 9)
• Women’s 500m (February 15)

4. Brittany Bowe

Brittany Bowe, 37, also from Ocala, Florida, is a seasoned competitor aiming for her first Olympic gold medal. With two bronze medals from previous Games, Bowe hopes to excel in her final Olympics.

She also carries the world record for the women’s 1000 meters and will compete in the following events:

• Women’s 1000m (February 9)
• Women’s 500m (February 15)
• Women’s 1500m (February 20)

As these athletes prepare for the upcoming challenges, their stories inspire a new generation of speedskaters. Keep an eye on them as they aim for Olympic glory in Milan.