Jordan Stolz Claims Second Speedskating Gold, Boosts U.S. Medal Count at Milan Cortina 2026
MILAN — Jordan Stolz captured the 500-meter speedskating gold on Saturday (Feb. 15, 2026 ET), giving the 21-year-old his second Olympic title at the Milan Cortina Games and delivering a timely lift to the United States' standing in the medal count olympics 2026. Stolz followed his earlier 1, 000-meter triumph with an Olympic-record 33. 77 seconds in the sprint, cementing himself as one of the breakout stars of these Games.
Stolz matches a historic double and sets an Olympic mark
Stolz's victory in the 500 completed the rare 500–1, 000 double at a single Winter Games — a feat last achieved on the men's side by a U. S. skater in 1980. The Wisconsin native produced an Olympic-record time and again outpaced his closest rival, who finished 0. 11 seconds back in silver position. Stolz's earlier win in the 1, 000 already carried an Olympic mark, and his performance in the 500 underscored a remarkable rise since his teenage Olympic debut.
In the decisive heat Stolz led coming out of the final curve, and in the last stretch he opened a gap that proved decisive. He celebrated with a raised fist as he crossed the line. The podium was rounded out by competitors from Europe and Canada, with a Canadian taking bronze.
Stolz reflected on the moment with characteristic understatement: "I mean, I guess it's halfway, but it's hard to say it's like a 50% chance to get the other two. Because you never know what can happen. " His calm approach has been a theme since he began dominating world championships in recent seasons.
Impact on Team USA and the evolving medal picture
Beyond individual glory, Stolz's second gold is an important contribution to the United States' broader haul at these Games. The win not only adds another top-tier result in speedskating but also shifts momentum and morale for a team chasing podiums across multiple disciplines. With several events still to come, the U. S. remains in contention to climb further in the medal standings.
Stolz's presence on the ice — and his ability to convert pre-Games expectations into Olympic hardware — gives teammates a tangible example of executing under pressure. His father noted that Stolz has handled the spotlight well, and that mental toughness has shown through in his racing. That resilience can influence outcomes beyond skating, as national teams often measure success by cumulative medals and the confidence those results build.
Road ahead: more medals possible, but challenges remain
Stolz is not entered in the longest distance events at these Games, but he remains a contender in remaining middle distances that align with his speed profile. He has set his sights high — publicly aiming for multiple medals at his second Winter Olympics — and his performances so far make such ambitions credible.
Observers noted the symbolic weight of a past American great being in the stands for Stolz's victory, a gesture that underscored the historical resonance of the achievement. For now, Stolz has joined an elite list by completing the sprint double, and his victories will be counted among the key results shaping the medal count at these Olympics. As the schedule unfolds, his continued success could be a defining story of Milan Cortina 2026.
Stolz's two golds have already made an impact on the Games' narrative and on his nation's medal prospects. Whether he can reach the quadruple podium he has hinted at remains to be seen, but his speed and poise make him a central figure to watch as the Olympic program continues.
