Wisconsin Speed Skater Jordan Stolz Makes Olympic History

21-year-old breaks Olympic record in men's 1,000m speed skating event

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Jordan Stolz, a 21-year-old speed skater from Kewaskum, Wisconsin, just shattered the Olympic record in the men's 1,000m event at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. Stolz, who learned to skate on a frozen backyard pond as a child, has already become the youngest single-distance world champion in history and has won multiple golds at the World Championships.

Why it matters

Stolz's record-breaking performance has made him one of the most talked-about Team USA athletes at the Winter Olympics, showcasing the incredible talent and potential of young American athletes on the global stage.

The details

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Stolz won his first Olympic gold medal and broke the Olympic record in the men's 1,000m speed skating event. Stolz is described as "stubborn, funny, opinionated, bold and fearless" and has an amazing feel for the ice, which has helped him become one of the fastest speed skaters in the world.

  • On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Stolz won gold and broke the Olympic record in the men's 1,000m speed skating event.
  • Stolz has three more chances to win gold during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

The players

Jordan Stolz

A 21-year-old speed skater from Kewaskum, Wisconsin who learned to skate on a frozen backyard pond as a kid. He is considered the "American star of the Olympic Games", the "Best Olympian of this age", and the "fastest speed skater in the World". Stolz has already become the youngest single-distance world champion in history and has won multiple golds at the World Championships.

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What’s next

Stolz has three more chances to win gold during the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

The takeaway

Stolz's record-breaking performance at the young age of 21 showcases the incredible talent and potential of American athletes on the global stage, and has made him one of the most talked-about stars of the 2026 Winter Olympics.