Jordan Stolz Secures Second Olympic Gold, Sets 500m Record

Jordan Stolz has made history at the 2026 Winter Olympics by securing his second gold medal in speed skating. He achieved this feat in the 500m event, recording a remarkable finish time of 33.77 seconds, which also set a new Olympic record. This victory marks a significant achievement, as it is the first time an American man has won the 500m race at the Olympics since Joey Cheek in 2006.

Historic Achievements by Stolz

At just 21 years old, Stolz has distinguished himself as a leading figure in the sport. His performances in Milan Cortina have established him as the only American to earn multiple gold medals during these Games. This includes his previous victory in the 1000m event on February 11, adding to his impressive medal collection.

Race Highlights

• Second Olympic gold medalist in 500m speed skating.
• Time of 33.77 seconds, surpassing the previous Olympic record of 33.88 seconds set by Jenning de Boo.
• Final time nearly half a second quicker than the old Olympic mark of 34.32 seconds, held by Gao Tingyu from the 2022 Beijing Games.
• Just 0.08 seconds away from his personal best of 33.69 seconds, achieved at the Calgary Olympic Oval.

Stolz competed head-to-head against Dutch rival Jenning de Boo. Although he started off slightly behind, Stolz quickly found his rhythm. By the first corner, he gained momentum and ultimately finished 0.11 seconds ahead of de Boo.

Coaching Insight

Bob Corby, Stolz’s coach, praised his performance, stating, “It was the best 500 he ever skated. It just was phenomenal.” Corby highlighted the strategy behind the race. Knowing de Boo would be pushing him, Stolz executed the plan perfectly, maximizing his speed throughout the course.

Comparisons to World Records

While Stolz’s time is impressive, it is also close to the world record of 33.61 seconds, which has stood since 2019. Teammate Cooper McLeod remarked that conditions at a faster venue, like Salt Lake City, could have led to even quicker times. He asserted, “It’s for sure a world record in Salt Lake City. Almost no question.”

With his extraordinary performances, Stolz has not only made a mark in Olympic history but has also showcased the potential of American speed skating on the global stage. Fans and athletes alike are excited to see where his talent will take him next.