Jordan Stolz sets records, snaps Americans' skid at Winter Olympics

The 21-year-old speed skater from Wisconsin won his second gold medal in record time at the Milan-Cortina Games.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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American speed skater Jordan Stolz won his second gold medal on Saturday, setting Olympic records in both the men's 500 meters and 1,000 meters events. Stolz's victories helped snap a slump for the U.S. team, which had struggled with disappointing performances from other high-profile American athletes like figure skater Ilia Malinin and snowboarder Chloe Kim.

Why it matters

Stolz's success has provided a much-needed boost for the U.S. Olympic team, which was facing a medal drought after several top American athletes failed to live up to expectations. The 21-year-old's record-breaking performances have made him a new star for the U.S. team, with more events still to come.

The details

In the men's 500 meters, Stolz set an Olympic record time of 34.47 seconds to win gold. He had previously won gold in the men's 1,000 meters, also setting an Olympic record. Stolz still has two more events, the men's 1,500 meters and men's mass start, where he will look to add to the U.S. medal count.

  • Stolz won gold in the men's 1,000 meters earlier in the Games.
  • Stolz set Olympic records in winning the men's 500 meters on Saturday.

The players

Jordan Stolz

A 21-year-old speed skater from Wisconsin who has emerged as a new star for the U.S. Olympic team, winning two gold medals and setting Olympic records in the men's 500 meters and 1,000 meters events.

Ilia Malinin

A U.S. figure skater who was expected to contend for a medal but had a poor performance in the free skate, falling twice and finishing eighth.

Chloe Kim

A two-time Olympic champion in the women's snowboard halfpipe who struggled to put together clean runs and finished second in this year's competition.

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What they’re saying

“Going into the Games, the U.S. had its usual cadre of star power that was supposed to propel the country to the top of the medal standings. But then reality set in.”

— John Cherwa, Tour director for the Milan-Cortina Olympics (latimes.com)

“He's set to compete in the men's 1,500 (Thursday), and the men's mass start (Saturday).”

— John Cherwa, Tour director for the Milan-Cortina Olympics (latimes.com)

What’s next

Stolz will look to add to his medal count in the men's 1,500 meters on Thursday and the men's mass start on Saturday.

The takeaway

Jordan Stolz's record-breaking performances have provided a much-needed boost for the U.S. Olympic team, which was facing a medal drought after several top American athletes failed to live up to expectations at the Milan-Cortina Games.