American speed skating star Jordan Stolz has made headlines at the 2026 Winter Games, clinching gold in the 500m with an Olympic record time. This marks a significant moment, as it’s the first time an American man has triumphed in this event since Joey Cheek took gold in 2006.
At just 21 years old, Stolz has already made history. With his recent win in the 1000m, he is now the only American to secure multiple golds at the Milan Cortina Games. He joins the elite ranks of Eric Heiden, who won both the 500m and 1000m in the same Olympics back in 1980.
In the 500m race, Stolz faced Dutch competitor Jenning de Boo for the second time. Starting slightly behind, he quickly found his rhythm. By the end, he finished just 0.11 seconds ahead of de Boo, who also broke the previous Olympic record. Both skaters shattered old records in the 1000m as well, highlighting their exceptional talent.
Stolz’s final time of 33.77 seconds eclipsed the old record of 34.32 seconds set by Gao Tingyu during the 2022 Beijing Games. It was just 0.08 seconds shy of his personal best of 33.69, which he achieved at the altitude-friendly Calgary Olympic Oval.
Coach Bob Corby praised Stolz’s performance, saying, “I think it was the best 500 he ever skated. He executed the plan perfectly.” The race truly showcased Stolz’s skill as he pushed through, knowing de Boo was right behind him.
Interestingly, if they had raced in Salt Lake City—known for having the fastest ice—experts believe they could have easily broken the world record of 33.61 seconds, set in 2019. Teammate Cooper McLeod remarked, “It’s for sure a world record [in Salt Lake City]. The Olympic record was lowered by almost half a second today. That doesn’t happen.”
As Stolz continues to dominate the ice, all eyes will be on him to see what he accomplishes next. It’s clear that a new chapter in American speed skating is unfolding.
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News,Team USA, Speed Skating, Jenning de Boo,Laurent Dubreuil,Jordan Stolz, United States,Netherlands,Canada, Men's 500m, Final, Final
