They say good things come in threes. It’s an idea we often hear: if two positive events occur close together, expect a third to follow. On Thursday, 21-year-old speed skater Jordan Stolz will aim to prove this idea true as he competes in the 1500m race.
Stolz has already made a mark in Milan, winning Olympic gold medals in both the 1000m and 500m events, setting a record in the process. If he takes home a win in the 1500m, he will join an exclusive group as only the second American, after Eric Heiden, to win three or more gold medals in a single Winter Olympics. Heiden secured five golds in a remarkable 1980 performance at Lake Placid.
Stolz is no stranger to success. He has been crowned world champion twice and has dominated the World Cup circuit, winning eight out of the last nine 1500m events. His only setback came last year, when he finished fifth while recovering from pneumonia and strep throat. Still, he managed to earn silver at the World Championships shortly after.
Last season was pivotal for Stolz. He set a sea-level world record at a World Cup event in Milwaukee, finishing 1.21 seconds ahead of two-time Olympic champion Kjeld Nuis. This victory showcased his impressive speed and determination.
As he prepares for the 1500m, Stolz knows he’ll face tough competition, especially from Nuis, who has been a formidable opponent and holds the world and Olympic records. Nuis, now 36, is closing the chapter on his career, adding a layer of intensity to this race.
With Stolz’s personal best time of 1 minute, 40.48 seconds, he’s just 0.31 seconds shy of Nuis’s world record of 1:40.17. The excitement surrounding the race is palpable, especially since it’s been over two decades since an American won this event—Derek Parra did so in 2002.
Fans are eagerly discussing Stolz’s journey online, sharing hopeful predictions and celebrating his achievements. His rise in speed skating has sparked interest, making many wonder if he can secure his place in Olympic history.
With so much at stake, all eyes will be on Stolz as he battles for Olympic glory once again. The competition promises to be thrilling, and whatever happens, he’s already a star on the rise. For those wanting to catch the action, all speed skating events are available for streaming on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com.
For more details on Olympic events, you can check out NBC Olympics for updates and live coverage.
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