American Jordan Stolz wins 2nd speedskating gold at Olympics - ESPN
ESPN
February 14, 2026
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American speedskater Jordan Stolz secured his second gold medal at the Milan Cortina Games on Saturday, dominating the 500-meter race to complement his earlier victory in the 1,000 meters. At just 21 years old, Stolz is now halfway toward an ambitious goal of winning four gold medals. He achieved this remarkable feat by setting Olympic records in both races and defeating Dutch skater Jenning de Boo head-to-head each time. Stolz’s success has placed him among the best speedskaters in the world, living up to high expectations while managing the intense pressure on the ice.
Stolz, from Wisconsin, follows in the footsteps of legendary American skater Eric Heiden, who completed the 500-1,000 double at the 1980 Lake Placid Games. His victories have been nothing short of impressive: he finished the 500 meters in a blistering 33.77 seconds and repeated the feat in the 1,000 meters earlier in the week. De Boo, who secured silver both times, was unable to match Stolz’s speed and composure under pressure. In both races, Stolz demonstrated exceptional skill, overcoming deficits and finishing strong.
The significance of Stolz’s achievements cannot be overstated. He is only the second American to win gold in the men’s 500 meters since Casey FitzRandolph’s victory in 2002. His dominance on the ice has already made him a standout figure at these Games, and with two more races—1,500 meters and mass start—on his schedule, fans are eager to see if he can continue this streak of success.
Sports enthusiasts are captivated by Stolz’s potential to rewrite history. With four gold medals within reach, he is aiming for a level of achievement not seen since Norway’s Johann Olav Koss won three golds at the 1994 Lillehammer Games. The temporary Milano Speed Skating Stadium has become a stage for one of the most thrilling performances in recent Olympic history.
Stolz’s calm demeanor and confidence on the ice have been as notable as his speed. During pre-race warm-ups, he was seen chatting with his coach, Bob Corby, while retying his skates and smiling. His lack of visible nerves
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/14/2026