Wisconsin's Speed Skating Stars Shine on Olympic Ice

Small-town roots and tight-knit communities fuel the success of the state's top skaters.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Wisconsin has long been a hotbed for speed skating, producing generations of elite athletes like two-time Olympian Nick Pearson and 2026 gold medalist Jordan Stolz. The journey for these skaters often begins on frozen ponds and local rinks, surrounded by supportive families and communities that help fuel their Olympic dreams.

Why it matters

Speed skating is deeply ingrained in Wisconsin's culture, with the state's tight-knit communities playing a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of champions. The stories of skaters like Pearson and Stolz highlight how small-town roots and local support can lead to big-time success on the Olympic stage.

The details

For two-time Olympian Nick Pearson, the path to the Olympics started in his hometown of West Allis, where he trained at the Wisconsin Olympic Center alongside champions like Dan Jansen and Bonnie Blair. Pearson's dedication to the sport required major sacrifices, including leaving school early and structuring his life around sleep and nutrition. But the sport also gave him a tight-knit community and his wife, fellow Olympic speed skater Annie. Similarly, 2026 gold medalist Jordan Stolz honed his skills at the local rink in Kewaskum, practicing alongside the children of speed skating instructor Shannon Holmes in Green Bay.

  • Pearson competed in the 2002 and 2010 Olympic Games.
  • Pearson later returned to the Olympics in 2014 as a team leader for U.S. Speed Skating.
  • Stolz, a native of Kewaskum, won gold at the 2026 Olympics.

The players

Nick Pearson

A two-time Olympian and U.S. Speed Skating Hall of Famer who trained at the Wisconsin Olympic Center in Milwaukee as a young skater.

Jordan Stolz

A 2026 Olympic gold medalist in speed skating, who honed his skills at the local rink in his hometown of Kewaskum, Wisconsin.

Shannon Holmes

A speed skating instructor at Cornerstone Community Center in Green Bay, who remembers Stolz practicing with her own children and the kids she coaches.

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What they’re saying

“Growing up, I was surrounded by successful speed skaters. So in the back of your mind you think, if I train hard enough, maybe I can make the Olympics.”

— Nick Pearson (wearegreenbay.com)

“It's a small sport. It's a family sport. Most people know everyone in one way or another.”

— Nick Pearson (wearegreenbay.com)

“Jordan competed with my own kids and the kids I coach for years, right from the time he was about five years old. He used to come here and practice at Cornerstone on Friday nights.”

— Shannon Holmes, Speed skating instructor, Cornerstone Community Center (wearegreenbay.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy, where Jordan Stolz will look to defend his gold medal in speed skating.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's speed skating success story is a testament to the power of small-town communities and the support they can provide to nurture the dreams of young athletes. From frozen ponds to local rinks, the state's speed skating champions prove that with dedication, hard work, and the backing of a tight-knit community, even the biggest Olympic dreams can be achieved.