Jordan Stolz Wins Olympic Gold, Sets New 500m Speed Skating Record

21-year-old American speedskater dominates the competition at the Winter Olympics in Milan.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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American speed skater Jordan Stolz, 21, secured his second gold medal at the Winter Olympics on Saturday, February 11, setting a new Olympic record in the 500-meter race with a time of 33.77 seconds. He finished .11 seconds ahead of Dutch speedskater Jenning de Boo at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium.

Why it matters

Stolz's record-breaking performance highlights his physical prowess and mental fortitude as an elite athlete. His ability to manage pressure and execute his race strategy is a key component of his success, which could inspire the next generation of American speed skaters.

The details

Before the race, Stolz spoke with his coach, Bob Corby, who advised him to focus on the backstretch, even if his start was slower than the competition. Corby told Stolz to 'burn, like you've never burned before,' and assured him, 'then everything will be fine.' Stolz's time is the fastest-ever 500-meter race on sea level, surpassing the previous world record of 33.61 seconds set by Russia's Pavel Kulizhnikov in 2019 at an altitude competition.

  • Jordan Stolz won the 500-meter race on February 11, 2026.
  • Stolz previously won the 1,000-meter race earlier in the Winter Olympics.

The players

Jordan Stolz

A 21-year-old American speed skater who won two gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Jenning de Boo

A Dutch speed skater who finished second to Stolz in both the 500-meter and 1,000-meter races.

Bob Corby

The coach of Jordan Stolz, who provided strategic advice that helped Stolz set the Olympic record in the 500-meter race.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Stolz is now favored to win the 1,500-meter race on February 19. A subsequent win in the February 21 mass start could notice him achieve four gold medals, just one shy of the record of five golds held by American Eric Heiden at the 1980 Lake Placid Games.

The takeaway

Stolz's record-breaking performance and dominance on the ice showcase not only his physical abilities but also his mental fortitude as an elite athlete. His success could inspire the next generation of American speed skaters and further cement the United States' status as a powerhouse in the sport.