Jordan Stolz Begins Quest for Four Golds with Speedskating 1,000m Victory
Jordan Stolz of the United States has kicked off his quest for four gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics with a stunning victory in the men’s 1,000 meters speedskating event. The race took place at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, showcasing Stolz’s remarkable skill and determination.
Historic Olympic Victory
Stolz completed the race in a record-setting time of 1 minute, 6.28 seconds. This accomplishment established a new Olympic record, breaking the previous time of 1:07.18 that had been maintained since 2002. His performance marked a significant moment for U.S. speedskating, as it was the first gold medal in the 1,000 meters since the 2010 Vancouver Games.
Background and Early Influences
At just 21 years old, Stolz has been preparing for this moment since he was five, when he first learned to skate on a frozen pond in Wisconsin. Inspired by the 2010 Winter Olympics, he developed a passion for speedskating that ultimately led him to this prestigious platform.
- Father’s Influence: Dirk Stolz encouraged his children by clearing snow from the skating pond, emphasizing family support.
- First Olympic Medal: Stolz’s previous Olympic experience in 2022 resulted in 14th place in the 1000m and 13th in the 500m.
Highlighted Competitors and Upcoming Challenges
In the 1,000 meters final, Stolz faced notable athletes, including silver medalist Jenning de Boo from the Netherlands. De Boo noted that he realized Stolz was trailing closely behind at the 800-meter mark, ultimately finishing half a second slower. Zhongyan Ning of China secured the bronze medal.
Stolz’s coach, Bob Corby, praised his exceptional performance during the final lap. Despite entering the event as a favorite, having won five World Cup races earlier this season, Stolz’s Olympic victory stands out as a monumental achievement.
Future Events and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Stolz is set to compete in three more events during the Games: the 500 meters on Saturday, the 1,500 on February 19, and the mass start on February 21. With one gold medal already secured, he expresses confidence in continuing to perform at a high level.
Comparisons to speedskating legend Eric Heiden, who won five golds at the 1980 Winter Olympics, add to the excitement. While Stolz appreciates the recognition, he is focused on his journey and results.
Stolz reflects on his first Olympic gold as monumental, stating, “One gold medal is huge enough.” As he seeks to expand his collection, his ambition remains clear: to make a significant impact on the sport of speedskating and create memorable Olympic moments.
