American speed skater Jordan Stolz, 21, secured his second gold medal at the Winter Olympics on Saturday, February 11, setting a new Olympic record in the 500-meter race with a time of 33.77 seconds. He finished .11 seconds ahead of Dutch speedskater Jenning de Boo at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium.
A Calculated Approach to Pressure
Before the race, Stolz spoke with his coach, Bob Corby, who advised him to focus on the backstretch, even if his start was slower than the competition. Corby told Stolz to “burn, like you’ve never burned before,” and assured him, “then everything will be fine.”
The victory marks Stolz’s second gold of the Games, having previously won the 1,000-meter race. De Boo finished second in both events. Following the race, a visibly frustrated de Boo fell after seeing his time, sliding into the padded wall of the track.
Dominance on the Ice
Stolz’s time is the fastest-ever 500-meter race on sea level, surpassing the previous world record of 33.61 seconds set by Russia’s Pavel Kulizhnikov in 2019 at an altitude competition. Canadian speedskater Laurent Dubreuil, who briefly held the Olympic record on Saturday, has already called Stolz “the greatest speedskater of all-time.”
Stolz is now favored to win the 1,500-meter race on February 19. A subsequent win in the February 21 mass start could notice him achieve four gold medals, just one shy of the record of five golds held by American Eric Heiden at the 1980 Lake Placid Games.
After the race, Stolz embraced Eric Heiden and his family, including his parents, Dirk and Jane, and his sister, Hannah.
A Family Affair
Stolz and his sister Hannah began skating on a frozen pond in their backyard in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, after watching Apolo Ohno compete in the 2010 Olympics. While Hannah was initially the stronger skater, she later transitioned to bird taxidermy, achieving national and international recognition in that field. She has even playfully teased her brother, noting her taxidermy awards were larger and heavier than his World Championship medals—until now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did Jordan Stolz finish the 500-meter race in?
Jordan Stolz finished the 500-meter race in 33.77 seconds.
Who is Jordan Stolz’s coach?
Jordan Stolz’s coach is Bob Corby.
What record did Jordan Stolz break?
Jordan Stolz set a new Olympic record in the 500-meter race.
As Jordan Stolz continues his Olympic journey, what impact will his success have on the future of speed skating in the United States?
