Olympic Gold Medalist Offers Insight on 500m Race

Dan Jansen shares tips for Jordan Stolz ahead of crucial 500m event

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Former Olympic gold medalist Dan Jansen is offering advice to current champion Jordan Stolz as he prepares for the 500-meter speed skating event at the upcoming Winter Olympics. Jansen, who won gold in the 1000m in 1994, believes Stolz's biggest challenge will be the opening 100 meters, where he may face faster starters like Damian Zürek and Jenning De Boo. However, Jansen is confident Stolz has another gear and will ultimately prevail.

Why it matters

The 500m event is considered one of the most prestigious and competitive in speed skating, with races often decided by fractions of a second. Jansen's insights provide valuable perspective on the key factors that could determine the outcome, especially for a young skater like Stolz who is seeking to defend his Olympic title.

The details

Jansen notes that Stolz's strengths lie in his strong finish and mental toughness, but he'll need a great start to overcome faster starters like Zürek and De Boo. At a recent World Cup event, Zürek set new track records in the 500m, beating Stolz twice. However, Jansen believes this will motivate Stolz to find another gear and secure the gold. Jansen also highlights the importance of the first inner turn, which can provide an advantage in the 500m.

  • The 500m race is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 4 p.m. local time (9 a.m. in the Midwest).
  • At the ISU World Cup in Inzell, Germany two weeks prior to the Olympics, Zürek beat Stolz twice in the 500m, setting new track records.

The players

Dan Jansen

An Olympic gold medalist who won the 1000m event at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics and was the first to skate under 36 seconds in the 500m.

Jordan Stolz

A 21-year-old Olympic gold medalist who is competing in the 500m event at the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Damian Zürek

A 26-year-old Polish speed skater who recently set new track records in the 500m at the ISU World Cup in Inzell, Germany.

Jenning De Boo

A Dutch speed skater who may have a faster start than Stolz in the 500m event.

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What they’re saying

“It seems both Damian Zürek (Poland) and Jenning De Boo (Netherlands) may have a little more early speed than Jordan, so he won't be able to rely on his strong finish, he needs a great opening 100 meters. I still think he will win.”

— Dan Jansen, Olympic Gold Medalist (washingtoncountyinsider.com)

“I don't think it will have any negative affect on Jordan at all… in fact, maybe the opposite. He does not like to get beat and I think he has another gear coming in the 500 so that doesn't happen.”

— Dan Jansen, Olympic Gold Medalist (washingtoncountyinsider.com)

“The 500m has no room for error and if he did not win the 1000m, I think there would be more pressure on him in the 500 coming up. Now he has a gold already and can just skate freely.”

— Dan Jansen, Olympic Gold Medalist (washingtoncountyinsider.com)

What’s next

The pairings and lane designations for the 500m race have not yet been released as of Thursday evening.

The takeaway

Jansen's insights highlight the importance of a strong start and mental toughness in the highly competitive 500m speed skating event. Stolz's ability to overcome faster starters and maintain his composure will be crucial in his quest to defend his Olympic title.