Jordan Stolz: Olympic Gold Takes Priority Over Track Records for Speed Skating Prodigy
Across speed skating rinks worldwide, the name Jordan Stolz is already etched on record boards. The young American sensation holds an impressive 25 track records in various countries, establishing himself as a dominant force in the sport. Yet, despite this remarkable achievement, Stolz reveals that records are not his primary motivation when he steps onto the ice.
Winning Mentality Drives Olympic Ambitions
Stolz's philosophy is straightforward: winning comes first, records follow. He explains that while track records are nice accomplishments, he never actively chases them during competitions. Instead, his focus remains squarely on racing well and finishing ahead of his competitors. This mindset has propelled him to the top of speed skating at a remarkably young age.
As the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics approach, Stolz enters as one of Team USA's most promising medal contenders. The skater from Kewaskum, Wisconsin will compete in four events: the 500 meters, 1,000 meters, 1,500 meters, and mass start. He arrives with world-leading rankings, Olympic pressure, and a calm confidence cultivated through years of dedicated training both on and off the ice.
Special Significance of Dutch Records
While Stolz generally downplays the importance of track records, he acknowledges one exception. Racing in Heerenveen, Netherlands—considered the heart of speed skating—carries special meaning. He notes that Dutch crowds and skaters treat track records with particular reverence, almost equating them to world records. Stolz admits that having his name displayed there would be meaningful, as Dutch skaters would see it daily during their training sessions.
Recent Performance and Olympic Preparation
At the recent ISU World Cup in Inzell, Germany, Stolz demonstrated his competitive form. In his first 500-meter race, he finished second behind Poland's Damian Zurek, who set a new track record. Despite the result, Stolz expressed satisfaction with his performance, noting that heavy training hadn't compromised his top speed and that he still sees room for improvement.
Now, Stolz has shifted his attention entirely to the Olympics. His first race will be the 1,000 meters on February 11, followed quickly by his other events. Behind his success lies a demanding training regimen that includes long bike rides, intensive weightlifting, and exhausting hours of preparation. Stolz describes summer training as particularly brutal, often harder than winter sessions, with activities like five-hour bike rides on tired legs that he finds challenging but necessary.
With numerous records already to his name, Stolz's focus is crystal clear: Olympic gold represents his ultimate target. His journey from record-breaking performances to Olympic aspirations showcases a champion's mindset focused on victory when it matters most.
