Wisconsin Teen Speedskater Brings Family to Cheer at Olympics

Jordan Stolz's parents Dirk and Jane, and sister Hannah, support his Olympic debut in Milan.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Jordan Stolz, a 21-year-old speed skating prodigy from Kewaskum, Wisconsin, is making his Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, Italy. Stolz's parents, Dirk and Jane, and his sister Hannah, have traveled to Italy to cheer him on as he competes in four individual events - the 500m, 1000m, 1500m, and mass start. The Stolz family has supported Jordan's skating dreams since he first stepped on the ice at age 5, with his parents adjusting their work schedules to drive him to practice and learn to skate alongside him.

Why it matters

Stolz's family support and upbringing have been crucial to his rapid rise in the sport of speed skating. Despite his young age and immense talent, the Stolz family has kept him grounded and focused on his goals. Their presence at the Olympics is sure to provide a boost as Stolz chases medals for Team USA.

The details

Growing up in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, Jordan Stolz first practiced on the frozen lake near his home, with his parents initially concerned about safety. But they soon became comfortable with him skating and drove him to the Pettit National Ice Center for training. Dirk Stolz, who moved from Germany to the U.S. as a child, has an athletic background in skiing and track and field, while Jane Stolz worked to support the family. Jordan's older sister, Hannah, is also an accomplished taxidermist. The Stolz family missed Jordan's Olympic debut in Beijing in 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions, but are now thrilled to be in Milan to cheer him on.

  • Jordan Stolz began skating at age 5.
  • Hannah Stolz won the National Taxidermy Championships in 2023.
  • Jordan Stolz made his Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Games.

The players

Jordan Stolz

A 21-year-old speed skating prodigy from Kewaskum, Wisconsin, competing in four individual events at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Dirk Stolz

Jordan's father, who moved from Germany to the U.S. as a child and has an athletic background in skiing and track and field.

Jane Stolz

Jordan's mother, who worked as a dental hygienist to support the family and their son's skating dreams.

Hannah Stolz

Jordan's older sister, who is an accomplished taxidermist and won the National Taxidermy Championships in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“I was always afraid they could drown. So they kept the life jackets on until he drilled a hole and we could see it was several feet thick. After that I finally felt okay, and in the next couple of days they were able to take them off.”

— Jane Stolz, Jordan's mother (NBC News)

“It was intimidating getting those huge, big blades on. It was very awkward, but we loved it from the start; you go so fast.”

— Jane Stolz, Jordan's mother (Silent Sports magazine)

“I'm really happy that they'll get to enjoy it. That'll make me feel good going into the races.”

— Jordan Stolz (People)

What’s next

Jordan Stolz will compete in the 500m, 1000m, 1500m and mass start events at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

The takeaway

The Stolz family's unwavering support and dedication to Jordan's speed skating dreams have been instrumental in his rapid rise to the top of the sport. Their presence at the Olympics is sure to provide a boost as he chases medals for Team USA.