Wisconsin native Jordan Stolz claimed his first Olympic gold medal Tuesday at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, winning the men’s 1,000 meters in record-setting fashion.
The 21-year-old from Kewaskum captured gold at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium with an Olympic-record time of 1:06.28. Stolz surged past Dutch rival Jenning de Boo on the final lap after trailing earlier in the race, finishing more than a second faster in the closing stretch. De Boo earned silver in 1:06.78, while Zhongyan Ning of China took bronze in 1:07.34.
The margin of victory was the largest in the event at the Olympics since 1984. Stolz’s performance also broke the previous Olympic record of 1:07.18, set in 2002 by Gerard van Velde. (RELATED: Madison High School Drag Show Invites Controversy and Draws Outrage)
Stolz entered the race as the favorite, holding the world record in the 1,000 meters at 1:05.37. The event has been his strongest discipline, highlighted by 13 consecutive World Cup victories and consistent podium finishes in international competition.
Tuesday’s win marks a major milestone for Stolz, who finished 14th in the same event at the 2022 Winter Olympics. His rapid rise since then has positioned him as one of the top speed skaters in the world.
With two more individual races and relay opportunities remaining, Stolz could contend for multiple gold medals in Milano. A four-gold performance would place him among elite company and approach the historic achievement of fellow Wisconsin native Eric Heiden, who won five gold medals at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Heiden attended Tuesday’s race and was seen in the stands alongside entertainer and U.S. Olympic ambassador Snoop Dogg.
After Heiden, only Norwegian biathletes Johannes Thingnes Bø and Ole Einar Bjørndalen have won four gold medals at a single Winter Games. (RELATED: New Richmond High School’s Bathroom Policy Sparks Backlash as Principal Cites “State and Federal Law”)
Stolz is next scheduled to compete in the 500 meters on Feb. 14, where he will again enter as a medal favorite. Regardless of future results, his Olympic record and gold medal have already secured his place among the most accomplished American speed skaters of his generation.
