MILAN — Three years ago, the legendary American speedskater Eric Heiden ventured to the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City to witness the performance of a young talent who was making waves in the sport—18-year-old Jordan Stolz. Heiden, who remains an iconic figure in speedskating with a remarkable record of five gold medals from the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, was intrigued by Stolz, who was already breaking world junior records and contending with the elite on the international circuit.
Their stories resonate with uncanny similarities. Both Heiden and Stolz hail from small towns in Wisconsin, learned to skate on frozen ponds, and made their Olympic debuts at age 17, only to return more powerful and focused. “It’s a little freaky how similar our histories are,” said Heiden, now a 67-year-old orthopedic surgeon. For Stolz to rise to Heiden’s level, he will need to capitalize on his Olympic opportunities just as Heiden did decades earlier.
Stolz, now 21, will compete in Milan with an eye on gold medals in the men’s 500, 1,000, and 1,500 meters, as well as the unpredictable mass start event. He has dominated this season’s World Cup circuit, securing victory in 16 out of 24 races. The young skater expressed his goal of claiming four medals at the upcoming Olympics, though he playfully admitted he couldn’t predict the colors of the medals he hopes to win.
His first opportunity to add to his medal count is set for Wednesday night in the men’s 1,000. Heiden has no doubt that Stolz is the best American speedskater since himself, calling him “a once-in-a-generation athlete” and noting that no one has matched his prowess in decades.
Stolz’s journey began in his family’s backyard, where his parents, Dirk and Jane Stolz, nurtured a love for the outdoors and sports. After being inspired by speedskating during the 2010 Winter Olympics, Jordan and his sister Hannah took to their backyard pond, which eventually transformed into a training ground thanks to Dirk’s encouragement. As their passion for the sport grew, the Stolz family sought out opportunities at the Pettit Center, known for producing world-class speedskaters.
Jordan’s path was not without its challenges. Following the sudden death of his coach Bob Fenn, who had played a significant role in his early success, Jordan faced a critical juncture in his career. Yet, he found renewed guidance in Bob Corby, a former Olympic coach, who stepped back into the sport to help him hone his skills.
At a young age, Jordan demonstrated an unwavering belief in his abilities, claiming he could defeat every competitor at the U.S. Speedskating Championships. This confidence proved well-founded when he won the men’s 500 meters in a record-breaking time, announcing his arrival on the international scene. Since then, he has continued to secure victories at various championship levels, showcasing his talent and determination.
Despite already being a recognized name in speedskating circles, Stolz lives relatively anonymously in the U.S. However, the Olympic platform provides him with a chance to elevate his visibility and solidify his status as a standout athlete. With NBC promoting him as one of the faces of the Games, this Olympic experience presents both a monumental opportunity and a chance for growth.
Heiden plans to be in Milan to cheer on Stolz, confident that the young skater will rise to the occasion. The legendary athlete is also curious to see how far Stolz can push his limits, contemplating whether he could one day compete in all five men’s events at the Olympics.
As the competition approaches, both Heiden and Stolz embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence that defines speedskating. The world eagerly awaits to see if Stolz can fulfill his potential and write his own remarkable chapter in the sport’s history.