Jordan Stolz's Alaska Roots Fuel Olympic Triumphs

Speedskating phenom's annual family trips to the state shaped his development as an athlete and person.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Jordan Stolz, the 21-year-old American speedskating star, has won two gold medals and a silver at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Stolz's deep connection to Alaska, where his family has taken annual trips for over a decade, has played a key role in shaping his athletic career and mental toughness. The Stolz family first fell in love with Alaska in the 1980s, and eventually bought a home in Palmer in 2018 to spend more time there during Stolz's offseason. Stolz credits his time in Alaska's rugged outdoors for helping him develop the fearlessness and determination that have fueled his Olympic success.

Why it matters

Stolz's story highlights how an athlete's upbringing and personal experiences can profoundly impact their development. His family's deep connection to Alaska, and the opportunities it provided for adventure, challenge, and mental refreshment, helped forge the mindset that has allowed Stolz to thrive on the world's biggest athletic stage. This underscores the importance of providing young athletes with diverse life experiences beyond just their sport.

The details

Stolz's father, Dirk, first visited Alaska in 1986 for work and was instantly hooked. He and his wife, Jane, made annual trips to the state, including a memorable caribou hunting honeymoon in 1991. When they had children, Jordan and his sister Hannah, the family continued the tradition, bringing the kids on their Alaska adventures starting in 2014. Stolz credits those trips, particularly the challenging outdoor activities like fishing and biking in remote areas, for helping him develop the mental toughness and fearlessness that have defined his Olympic career. His parents believe the Alaska experiences recharged and remotivated Stolz, providing a valuable mental break from the rigors of speedskating training and competition.

  • Dirk Stolz first visited Alaska in 1986 for work.
  • Dirk and Jane Stolz took their honeymoon caribou hunting trip to Alaska in 1991.
  • Jordan and Hannah Stolz first visited Alaska with their parents in 2014, at ages 10 and 12 respectively.
  • The Stolz family bought a home in Palmer, Alaska in 2018 to spend more time there during Jordan's offseason.

The players

Jordan Stolz

A 21-year-old American speedskating phenom who has won two gold medals and a silver at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

Dirk Stolz

Jordan Stolz's father, who first visited Alaska in 1986 for work and later fell in love with the state, leading to annual family trips.

Jane Stolz

Jordan Stolz's mother, who also fell in love with Alaska after her first trip there with Dirk on their honeymoon in 1991.

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What they’re saying

“As soon as I went up to Alaska, I got hooked on the place.”

— Dirk Stolz, Jordan Stolz's father

“It was love at first sight. I knew at some point we would be living up there.”

— Jane Stolz, Jordan Stolz's mother

“Since I've been a kid, it has been fun to be there. You know, being outside has been part of my growing up, so I think it's kind of a different lifestyle than some of other people have lived.”

— Jordan Stolz

What’s next

The Stolz family plans to continue spending extended time in Alaska during Jordan's offseason, as the state has played a crucial role in his development and success.

The takeaway

Jordan Stolz's Olympic triumphs are a testament to the profound impact that an athlete's upbringing and personal experiences can have on their mental and physical development. His family's deep connection to the rugged outdoors of Alaska has helped forge the fearlessness, determination, and mental toughness that have fueled Stolz's rise to the top of his sport.