Milan, Italy – American speed skater Jordan Stolz continued his dominant performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics, securing his second gold medal in the men’s 500-meter event on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The 21-year-vintage not only won the race but also set a new Olympic record, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport. This victory comes just days after Stolz claimed gold in the 1000-meter race, also breaking the Olympic record in that event.
Stolz’s performance at the Milan Cortina Games has been nothing short of spectacular. He finished the 500-meter final with a time that set a new Olympic benchmark, surpassing previous records and demonstrating his exceptional speed and technique. The win marks the first time since 2010 that an American man has earned Olympic gold in speed skating, and the first time a U.S. Man has won an individual Olympic speed skating medal in the same span. The United States has been a force in speed skating, and Stolz’s achievements are reigniting excitement around the sport within the country.
Stolz’s Road to Gold
The 500-meter final was considered Stolz’s most challenging race of the Games, with fierce competition from skaters around the world. Despite a slightly slower start, posting the fourth-slowest opening 200m split of 16.18 seconds, Stolz found his rhythm in the final lap, finishing half a second ahead of his nearest competitor, Dutch skater Jenning de Boo. Stolz described the race as a moment where he had to push himself to the limit, stating, “I thought I was feeling good in the beginning, and then Jenning just came by me, and I thought, ‘Wow, maybe he’s good enough to win the gold, and then I’ll be getting second.’ And then in that second-to-last turn, I was like, ‘No, I can’t let this happen.’ So, I threw two arms down and I just went as hard as I possibly could, and I made it.”
Prior to the Olympics, Stolz had already established himself as a dominant force in sprint speed skating, holding two world titles in the 1000m, two World Cup titles, the overall world record, and the sea-level world record. He entered the Games with a 14-race unbeaten streak in the 1000m on the World Cup level, and is also a two-time world champion and reigning World Cup champion in both the 500m and 1500m. NBC Olympics details his impressive record leading up to the Games.
Beyond the Ice: Other Events at the Milan Cortina Games
The 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver thrilling moments across various disciplines. Brazil’s Lucas Pinheiro Braathen made history by winning gold in the super-G, becoming the first athlete from a South American country to ever win a medal at the Winter Olympics. The U.S. Men’s hockey team is also in action, facing Denmark in their second game of the tournament.
Other medal events scheduled for today include men’s giant slalom, women’s 4×7.5 km cross-country skiing relay, women’s 7.5km biathlon sprint, women’s skeleton, men’s large hill individual ski jumping, and men’s speed skating 1,500-meters. In the inaugural dual moguls event, American skiers Jaelin Kauf and Liz Lemley secured silver and bronze medals, respectively.
What’s Next for Jordan Stolz?
Stolz is not finished competing at the Milan Cortina Games. He is scheduled to race in the 1500-meter final on Tuesday and will also participate in the mass start speedskating event on February 21st. With his current form, Stolz is a strong contender for additional medals, and his performances are captivating audiences worldwide. Fans can stream every moment of the Games on Peacock and stay updated through NBC News’ Olympics hub, including interacting with the AI chatbot, OLI, and signing up for The Sports Desk newsletter. NBC News is providing comprehensive coverage of the Olympics and its athletes.
The success of athletes like Jordan Stolz underscores the dedication and talent within the American Olympic team. As the Games progress, fans can expect more exciting competitions and inspiring stories from athletes around the globe. Share your thoughts on Stolz’s incredible performance and the ongoing Winter Olympics in the comments below.
