Jordan Stolz's Flower Hat Draws Criticism from Olympic Coach

The American speedskater's fashion choice after his first gold medal win has his coach questioning his style.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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American speedskater Jordan Stolz won two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but his choice of headwear after his first victory has drawn criticism from his coach, Bob Corby. Stolz wore a colorful flower hat given to him by a Dutch fan, which his parents say is a tradition for Olympic champions. However, Corby expressed his disapproval, saying "What the... is that?" when he first saw the hat. Despite the coach's reaction, Stolz remains focused on his upcoming events, including the 1,500-meter and mass start races.

Why it matters

Stolz's success at the Olympics has made him a rising star in the sport of speedskating, and his fashion choices have become a topic of discussion. The reaction from his coach highlights the sometimes tense relationship between athletes and their coaches, where personal expression can clash with a coach's desire for discipline and focus.

The details

After winning the gold medal in the 1,000-meter event on February 11, Stolz donned a colorful flower hat given to him by a Dutch fan, a tradition for Olympic champions. His parents explained that athletes must return the hat after wearing it for photos. However, Stolz's coach, Bob Corby, was not impressed, telling USA Today Sports that "It would be cool if the hat was really cool or a flag or something that was impressive. The first time I saw it I said, 'What the ... is that?'"

  • On February 11, Stolz won the gold medal in the 1,000-meter event.
  • On February 14, Stolz won his second gold medal in the 500-meter event.

The players

Jordan Stolz

An American speedskater who has won two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Bob Corby

Stolz's coach, who expressed disapproval of the flower hat Stolz wore after his first gold medal win.

Dirk Stolz

Jordan Stolz's father, who explained the tradition of the flower hat given to Olympic champions.

Jane Stolz

Jordan Stolz's mother, who also discussed the flower hat tradition.

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What they’re saying

“It would be cool if the hat was really cool or a flag or something that was impressive. The first time I saw it I said, 'What the ... is that?'”

— Bob Corby, Coach (USA Today Sports)

“They must throw it out for the Olympic champion.”

— Dirk Stolz, Jordan Stolz's father (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

“Wear it once, get some pictures of it and that's it.”

— Jane Stolz, Jordan Stolz's mother (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

What’s next

Stolz will race in the 1,500-meter event on February 19 and the mass start event on February 21.

The takeaway

Stolz's fashion choices have become a topic of discussion, highlighting the sometimes tense relationship between athletes and their coaches, where personal expression can clash with a coach's desire for discipline and focus. However, Stolz remains focused on his upcoming events as he continues his pursuit of Olympic glory.