Jordan Stolz misses podium in final Milan-Cortina Olympics event - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Sam FarmerFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The final event of the Milan-Cortina Olympics saw U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz miss out on a fourth medal in an emotional and unpredictable mass-start race. The 21-year-old from Wisconsin had already secured two gold medals (500m and 1000m) and one silver (1500m), making him the most successful male speedskater in decades. However, his hopes of achieving three golds were dashed when he finished fourth, narrowly beaten by Italy's Andrea Giovannini for bronze.
The race was dominated by Dutch skater Jorrit Bergsma, who surged ahead early and maintained a strong lead despite being joined by Denmark’s Viktor Hald Thorup. The rest of the pack hesitated to challenge the leaders, ultimately allowing Bergsma to secure gold and become the oldest speedskating champion in Olympic history. Stolz, skating without an American teammate for strategy, expressed frustration with the pack's reluctance to make a move on the leaders.
Reflecting on the race, Stolz admitted he would have attacked earlier if he had anticipated the pack's hesitation. However, his conservative approach left him with no energy for a final push, costing him bronze by just a narrow margin. Meanwhile, in the women’s event, U.S. skater Mia Manganello concluded her career on a high note by earning bronze, marking a fitting end to an exceptional season.
The outcome of Stolz's race highlights the challenges of the unpredictable mass-start format and underscores the importance of strategic decisions under pressure. For readers interested in sports news, this story offers insight into the intense competition and emotional stakes of elite athletes at the Olympic stage.
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/21/2026