Blazing Speed Seals the Win (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Milano Cortina, Italy – Jordan Stolz delivered another masterful performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, clinching gold in the men’s 500-meter speedskating event with an Olympic record time.[1][2]
Blazing Speed Seals the Win
The 21-year-old American from Wisconsin powered through the Milano Speed Skating Stadium on Saturday, February 14, finishing in 33.77 seconds to eclipse the previous Olympic mark. Stolz edged out Dutch rival Jenning de Boo by 0.11 seconds, with Canada’s Laurent Dubreuil claiming bronze 0.49 seconds back.[2]
Stolz described the tense final stretch. “Coming down the last hundred, I thought I should be able to beat him and that’s exactly what I did,” he said. “I had a really good outer turn and I could feel him coming up.”[2]
De Boo earned silver for the second straight race after the 1,000 meters. He called the result bittersweet. “This silver medal tastes a little bit less sweet than the one in the 1,000m,” de Boo noted.[2]
| Position | Athlete | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jordan Stolz | USA | 33.77 |
| 2 | Jenning de Boo | NED | 33.88 |
| 3 | Laurent Dubreuil | CAN | 34.26 |
Reviving American Speedskating Legacy
Stolz’s double triumph marked the first time an American man swept the 500m and 1,000m golds since Eric Heiden’s legendary run at the 1980 Lake Placid Games. Heiden, a fellow Wisconsinite, swept all five individual events that year.[1][2]
No U.S. man had won gold in the 1,000m since 2010, and Stolz shattered that drought earlier in the week with a 1:06.28 Olympic record. His 500m victory made him the first American with multiple golds in a single Games since 1980.[3]
Stolz skates professionally for the Dutch squad Albert Heijn Zaanlander, tapping into the Netherlands’ deep speedskating tradition. At 17, he debuted in Beijing 2022, finishing 13th in the 500m and 14th in the 1,000m.
A Season of Unmatched Dominance
Stolz entered Milano Cortina unbeaten in 14 straight 1,000m World Cup races and perfect at 5-for-5 this season. He holds two world titles in the distance, plus overall and sea-level records.[1][3]
- Two-time world champion in 500m and 1,500m.
- Largest Olympic 1,000m margin since 1984.
- Aiming for four golds total, including upcoming 1,500m and mass start.
- First U.S. individual men’s speedskating gold since 2010.
Dubreuil highlighted the field’s depth. “This is the toughest field ever in the 500m,” he said. “The two greatest skaters… just crushed my brief Olympic record.”[2]
Future Races Hold High Stakes
Stolz eyes the 1,500m on Thursday and mass start next Saturday. He views these as prime opportunities. “That’s what I’m looking for,” he told CBS News.[1]
A sweep could etch his name alongside Heiden’s unparalleled feat. Defending 500m champion Gao Tingyu of China faded to eighth.
Key Takeaways
- Stolz’s 33.77s sets new Olympic 500m record.
- First U.S. double sprint golds since 1980.
- Two golds from two races; two more events ahead.
Jordan Stolz has reignited U.S. hopes in speedskating, blending raw power with tactical brilliance. What do you think his chances are for more medals? Tell us in the comments.
