Jordan Stolz secures spot in all three sprint races for 2026 Olympics
Jordan Stolz, a rising star in speed skating, has secured his spots in the 500, 1,000, and 1,500 meters for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. His qualification came ahead of the Olympic trials, thanks to strong performances in recent World Cup events, where he won the 1,000 and 1,500 meters and finished third in the 500 meters. Stolz's dominance in these events over the past seasons positions him as a favorite for gold. The U.S. Speed Skating team has adjusted its qualification criteria, allowing medalists from world championships to secure early Olympic spots, which helps avoid potential mishaps like those experienced by other athletes in previous trials. Looking forward, Stolz aims to maintain his momentum as the Olympic trials approach.
Dive Deeper:
Jordan Stolz won the 1,000 meters at the World Cup in Calgary and followed it with victories in the 1,500 meters, completing a remarkable weekend that solidified his Olympic qualification.
In March, Stolz earned silver medals in the 500 and 1,500 meters and a bronze in the 1,000 meters at the world championships, allowing him to qualify early for the Olympics.
At just 21 years old, Stolz has consistently dominated the sprint distances, sweeping the championships in both 2023 and 2024, and is expected to be a top contender for Olympic gold.
This season, Stolz has already won both the 1,000 and 1,500 meters at the first two World Cups, showcasing his form and speed as he prepares for the Winter Olympics.
The Olympic trials are scheduled for January 2-5 in Milwaukee, and Stolz's early qualification relieves the pressure of having to perform under potentially stressful conditions, as seen in previous trials.