Jordan Stolz: The Next Face of the Winter Games?
The Winter Olympics often unveils athletes who transcend sport, becoming iconic figures synonymous with the Games themselves. For decades, America has been searching for its next such star – someone capable of captivating the nation. At just 21 years old, Jordan Stolz, a speed skating prodigy from Wisconsin, may very well be that athlete.
Dominating the Ice
Stolz arrives at the Milano Cortina Olympics not merely as a top contender, but as the dominant force in speed skating today. A seven-time world champion, he’s the favorite across three individual distances – the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m – with strong medal potential in the mass start. Over the past three seasons, his victories have become the expectation, not the exception. His consistency is remarkable, turning potential upsets into statistical anomalies.
Olympic Schedule: All Times Eastern
- Wed, Feb 11: Men’s 1000m, 12:30 PM
- Sat, Feb 14: Men’s 500m, 11:00 AM
- Thu, Feb 19: Men’s 1500m, 10:30 AM
- Sat, Feb 21: Men’s Mass Start semi-finals, 3:00 PM
- Sat, Feb 21: Men’s Mass Start final, 4:40 PM
A Humble Champion
Despite the mounting expectations, Stolz remains grounded. “People have told me that [about being the face of the Games], but I haven’t really thought about it,” he says. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I can’t ever plan on something being perfect. I just have to do the best I can.”
Chasing History
Should Stolz achieve the coveted 500-1000-1500 treble – a feat he’s accomplished at two of the past three world championships – he would become only the second American to win more than two golds in a single Winter Games, and the first since Eric Heiden’s legendary five-gold sweep in 1980. A fourth gold in the mass start would place him among the most decorated Winter Olympians of all time, alongside biathlon greats Ole Einar Bjørndalen and Johannes Thingnes Bø, and Soviet speed skater Lidiya Skoblikova.
Comparisons to Legends
Comparisons to sporting icons like Michael Phelps have begun to surface, highlighting Stolz’s potential to transform the Olympics into must-watch television. NBC has prominently featured him in its Olympic coverage, even including a commercial with actor Glen Powell.
From Frozen Pond to Global Stage
Stolz’s journey began on a frozen pond in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, wearing a lifejacket at the age of five. Inspired by Apolo Anton Ohno’s performances at the 2010 Olympics, he discovered a passion for speed. Early training involved countless laps under homemade lights, honing his balance and technique. The Pettit National Ice Center played a crucial role in his development, providing a consistent training environment.
The Pursuit of Perfection
Stolz’s dedication extends beyond the ice. He meticulously analyzes his equipment, even inspecting blades by hand to identify minute imperfections that could impact his performance. He prioritizes solo training, focusing on replicating race conditions and maintaining control. He learned from Shani Davis, a two-time Olympic 1000m champion, to always strive for improvement, recognizing that perfection is an elusive goal.
Facing the Pressure
As the Olympics approach, Stolz acknowledges the growing pressure but remains focused on his routine. “Once you get to the line, it’s the same thing you’ve been doing for years. Everything around you is just noise.” He understands the unpredictable nature of the sport, acknowledging factors like ice temperature and surface conditions. His primary rival, he says, is himself.
With the world watching, Jordan Stolz is ready to step onto the Olympic ice and chase his dreams. His blend of talent, dedication, and humility makes him a compelling athlete to watch, and a potential icon for a new generation. Learn more about Jordan Stolz on NBC Olympics.
