- Jordan Stolz is set to compete in the Milano Cortina Games after a challenging journey.
- The 21-year-old has won multiple world championships and set several world records.
- Stolz overcame health issues, including pneumonia, and a bike crash before the Olympics.
- He aims for at least one medal in the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Jordan Stolz: A Rising Star in Speed Skating
Jordan Stolz, an American speed skating sensation, is preparing to make his mark on the international stage. At just 21 years old, he has already established himself as a formidable competitor, with a series of world championship golds and world records under his belt. This journey began in 2010 when he was captivated by Apolo Ohno’s performance at the Vancouver Games.
From Teenager to Star
Stolz’s path to success started with a bit of ingenuity. His father installed a floodlit track on their pond in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, providing an unconventional but effective training ground. This homegrown setup laid the foundation for Stolz’s impressive career.
Challenges and Triumphs
The road to the Milano Cortina Games has not been without its challenges. In 2022, Stolz faced a series of health issues, including pneumonia and strep throat, as well as a gruesome bike crash during training in June. Reflecting on his journey, he shared: “When I got strep throat and pneumonia, I kind of really messed up the end of that season.
Of course, it’s not something that you can’t like recover from physically. So I just took a little rest at the end the year. Started building it back up again and I was able to get stronger than I was before.”
A Resilient Comeback
Despite these significant setbacks, Stolz made an emphatic return to action. At the U.S. long track championships in Utah in October 2025, he stormed to titles in the 1,000, 1,500, and mass start events, also securing a second-place finish in the 500 metres. “The national titles, I was just training right through, so it’s not like I really prepared that much for them. But it was nice to be able to win them,” he remarked.
Looking Forward
The United States finished third in the medals table at Beijing with nine golds and 25 medals overall. There is a keen desire to make a strong impression in Italy, and Stolz expressed optimism for his country’s prospects: “I think we’re going to have a really good chance at winning a lot of medals,” he stated. “We have some good people out there, and it’s going to be really good, especially being that we’re back here in 2034 in Salt Lake City and I’ll hopefully be competing at those Games.”
As Stolz prepares for the Milano Cortina Games, his journey from a teenage prodigy to a world-class athlete is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination. His upcoming performance will undoubtedly draw attention as he aims to secure at least one medal in February 2026.
