Jordan Stolz Sets Olympic Record, Aims for Four Speedskating Golds

Jordan Stolz, the emerging U.S. speedskating sensation, made headlines on Wednesday by winning his first Olympic gold medal. He achieved this remarkable feat in the 1,000-meter race, setting an Olympic record with a time of 1:06.28. This victory marked a significant achievement for Stolz, as he eclipsed the previous record by nearly one second.

Olympic Achievements and Competitors

Stolz’s historic performance placed him ahead of notable competitors, including Jenning de Boo from The Netherlands, who finished with the silver medal, and Zhongyan Ning from China, who secured bronze. Stolz described the race’s intensity, recalling a moment when he was overtaken by de Boo at the 600-meter mark. “I thought I can’t let that happen, so I pushed myself to catch him,” he stated.

Background and Previous Performances

At only 17 years old, Stolz competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics, where he finished 13th in the 500-meter and 14th in the 1,000-meter events. Since then, he has risen to prominence, dominating both the 500-meter and 1,500-meter races in the world championships of 2023 and 2024. Stolz was named the youngest male World Allround champion in 46 years.

Record-Breaking Performances

Earlier in January 2024, Stolz set a world record in the 1,000-meter event, clocking in at an impressive 1:05.37 in Salt Lake City, Utah. However, he emphasized that his Olympic success felt even more significant because it took place at sea level rather than the altitude of Utah.

Future Aspirations in the Olympic Games

As Stolz continues to compete in Milan, he aims for additional gold medals. He is poised to contend in the 500-meter, 1,000-meter, and 1,500-meter events and may also participate in the men’s mass start. If he secures at least three gold medals, he will join the elite company of Eric Heiden, the only American to win that many at a single Winter Games.

Reflections on Winning Gold

Expressing his satisfaction, Stolz remarked, “It feels a bit better than I thought it would.” He highlighted the importance of this win after four years of dedicated training. “Winning gold is a singular opportunity in the 1,000, and achieving it feels unreal.” With his first gold medal secured, he looks forward to future races with greater confidence and experience.

• Event: 1,000-meter Olympic race
• Gold Medal Time: 1:06.28
• Competitors:
  • Silver: Jenning de Boo (Netherlands)
  • Bronze: Zhongyan Ning (China)
• World Record: 1:05.37 (January 2024)
• Olympic Participation: Aims for medals in 500m, 1,500m, and mass start