Olympic Speedskater Jordan Stolz's Parents Revealed

Dirk and Jane Stolz supported their children's passion for skating from an early age.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Jordan Stolz, the recent Olympic gold medalist in the men's 1000m speedskating event, grew up in Kewaskum, Wisconsin with his parents Dirk and Jane Stolz. The Stolz family were outdoor enthusiasts who encouraged Jordan and his sister Hannah to take up skating as children, even learning to skate themselves. Dirk worked the graveyard shift as a deputy sheriff to drive Jordan to early morning practice sessions, while Jane homeschooled the children to accommodate their rigorous training schedule.

Why it matters

Jordan Stolz's remarkable achievement at the Olympics shines a light on the dedication and sacrifices his parents made to support their children's athletic pursuits. The Stolz family's story exemplifies how parental involvement and a nurturing environment can help young athletes reach the highest levels of their sport.

The details

Growing up, Jordan Stolz and his sister Hannah became obsessed with skating after watching the 2010 Winter Olympics. Their parents Dirk and Jane encouraged the hobby, even learning to skate themselves despite initial hesitation from Jane about the safety risks. Dirk, a former deputy sheriff, worked overnight shifts to drive Jordan to early morning practice sessions at the Pettit Ice Center. Jane homeschooled the children to accommodate their rigorous training schedule, which included competing in 15-20 Midwest competitions per year. Both Dirk and Jane are born-again Christians who instilled in their children the belief that their athletic gifts were God-given.

  • Jordan Stolz and his sister Hannah began skating around the 2010 Winter Olympics.
  • Dirk Stolz worked the graveyard shift as a deputy sheriff to drive Jordan to early morning practice sessions.
  • Jordan Stolz won the gold medal in the men's 1000m speedskating event at the 2026 Olympics.

The players

Jordan Stolz

An Olympic gold medalist in speedskating who set a new record in the men's 1000m race.

Dirk Stolz

Jordan Stolz's father, who worked overnight shifts as a deputy sheriff to drive Jordan to early morning practice sessions.

Jane Stolz

Jordan Stolz's mother, who homeschooled Jordan and his sister Hannah to accommodate their rigorous training schedule.

Hannah Stolz

Jordan Stolz's older sister, who also became passionate about skating as a child.

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What they’re saying

“We are outdoor people and never really watched TV. I told Jordan and Hannah that we would watch the [2010] Olympics over the next couple of weeks.”

— Jane Stolz (Silent Sports)

“When they were little we told them God gave them a gift, fast feet, better use it appropriately, and they always have.”

— Jane Stolz (The New York Times)

“Trying to pull them out of school every Thursday or Friday was impossible, so no way you could do it being in public school.”

— Dirk Stolz (The New York Times)

What’s next

Jordan Stolz is expected to compete in the 2030 Winter Olympics, where he will aim to defend his gold medal in the men's 1000m event.

The takeaway

The Stolz family's story demonstrates the crucial role that parental support and sacrifice can play in nurturing young athletic talent. By homeschooling their children, working unconventional hours, and fully embracing their family's passion for skating, Dirk and Jane Stolz helped propel their son Jordan to Olympic glory.