Wisconsin Speed Skater Jordan Stolz Rises to Olympic Glory with Family's Taxidermy Business Support

Stolz's parents, Dirk and Jane, provided key backing for his skating career, including running a taxidermy business to help cover costs.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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At just 21 years old, Jordan Stolz has emerged as one of the biggest stars in speed skating, winning gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics and becoming the youngest single distance world champion in history. Hailing from Kewaskum, Wisconsin, Stolz's path to Olympic success was supported by his parents, Dirk and Jane, who ran a taxidermy business to help cover the costs of his young skating career.

Why it matters

Stolz's story highlights the sacrifices and dedication required for young athletes to reach the pinnacle of their sport, especially those from smaller communities. The Stolz family's unique background in taxidermy also provides an interesting contrast to Stolz's high-profile athletic career.

The details

Dirk Stolz, Jordan's father, was a former downhill skier who later became a Washington County deputy sheriff while also running a taxidermy business out of the family's home. Jordan's mother, Jane, is a dental hygienist who homeschooled Jordan and his sister Hannah until they were 10 years old to accommodate their skating schedules. The Stolz family cleared snow from their backyard pond and installed outdoor lighting so the kids could skate at night, helping to nurture Jordan's interest in the sport from a young age.

  • Jordan Stolz began skating at the age of 5.
  • In 2018, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection ordered the Stolz family to 'depopulate' their deer and elk breeding business due to a chronic wasting disease outbreak.
  • Jordan Stolz made his Olympic debut in 2022.
  • Jordan Stolz won gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics and became the youngest single distance world champion in history.

The players

Jordan Stolz

A 21-year-old speed skater from Kewaskum, Wisconsin who has emerged as one of the biggest stars in the sport, winning gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics and becoming the youngest single distance world champion in history.

Dirk Stolz

Jordan Stolz's father, who was a former downhill skier and is currently a Washington County deputy sheriff. He also ran a taxidermy business out of the family's home to help cover the costs of Jordan's skating career.

Jane Stolz

Jordan Stolz's mother, who is a dental hygienist and homeschooled Jordan and his sister Hannah until they were 10 years old to accommodate their skating schedules.

Hannah Stolz

Jordan Stolz's older sister, who competed in speed skating in her youth but later found success in the family's taxidermy business, winning national and international competitions in bird taxidermy.

Windy Hills Waterfowl

The taxidermy business run by Hannah Stolz, which is home to 85 bird species from around the world.

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What they’re saying

“We went to every single competition in the Midwest, 15 or 20 of them a year. 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, Jordan Stolz's father (The New York Times)

“We are outdoor people and never really watched TV. I told Jordan and Hannah that we would watch the 2012 Olympics over the next couple of weeks. Jordan asked, 'What's the Olympics?' Both kids were enthralled with short-track skating and some other events, but didn't get figure skating. They all started skating in earnest; it was a family affair.”

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

What’s next

Jordan Stolz is expected to continue competing at the highest levels of international speed skating, with the 2030 Winter Olympics in Vancouver being a potential target for the young star.

The takeaway

Jordan Stolz's remarkable rise to Olympic glory is a testament to the sacrifices and support of his family, particularly his parents Dirk and Jane, who went to great lengths to nurture his skating talent from a young age, even running a taxidermy business to help cover the costs. Their unique background and commitment to their children's dreams exemplify the lengths some families will go to help their kids succeed.