Star speed skater Jordan Stolz experienced an unexpected stumble just moments into the men’s 1,000 meters at the US Olympic trials for long track speed skating on Saturday. Despite this surprising setback, Stolz managed to secure the third-fastest time among 33 competitors, solidifying his place at the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
The incident occurred when Stolz caught the toe of one skate on the slick rink surface, causing him to lose his balance after taking less than five strides at the Pettit National Ice Center, located roughly 40 miles from his hometown of Kewaskum. Such an error is atypical for a skater of his caliber, as Stolz is widely anticipated to win multiple medals and become one of the standout athletes at the Winter Olympics.
Undeterred, Stolz quickly regained his footing and completed the race, clocking in a time that was still good enough to automatically qualify him for the 1,000-meter event in Milan. “I just tried to get it all out, right? Go as hard as I could and see what would happen, where I would end up,” Stolz remarked after the race. He attributed his earlier stumble to lingering effects from a recent illness that hindered his usual preparation. “Just didn’t have the right feeling,” the 21-year-old athlete stated, noting that he felt “a little cramped up and dehydrated.”
Stolz is considered not only a medal contender for several events, including the 1,000 meters, but also a favorite for the gold. He holds the world record for the 1,000 meters and is a two-time world champion in the 500, 1,000, and 1,500 events. His impressive track record allowed him to pre-qualify for the three Olympic races, needing only to participate in Saturday’s trials to officially secure his spot. Alongside Stolz, Conor McDermott-Mostowy and Cooper McLeod also qualified for the 1,000 meters with McDermott-Mostowy posting a time of 1:07.606 and McLeod finishing just behind.
McLeod praised Stolz’s performance under pressure, stating, “He handled it very impressively, like the many-time world champion that he is.”
Earlier in the day, Erin Jackson also made headlines by qualifying in the women’s 1,000 meters, finishing faster than her friend and world record-holder Brittany Bowe. Four years ago, Jackson slipped during her trials and missed her chance at qualifying for the Olympics, but Bowe selflessly gave up her spot for her friend, enabling Jackson to go on and become the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics in Beijing.
On Saturday, Jackson clocked a remarkable time of 1:14.63, beating Bowe by 0.39 seconds. Jackson’s performance was especially commendable given she recently overcame a hamstring injury. “Going into the beginning of this week, I wasn’t really sure if I was going to be able to race or not,” Jackson reflected, expressing her relief at performing well after worrying about her condition.
Bowe, who is set to compete in her fourth and final Olympics, also secured a berth in the women’s 1,000 meters. Having earned a bronze medal in the 1,000 at Beijing and in the team pursuit at the Pyeongchang Games, Bowe expressed her excitement for the upcoming Olympic experience alongside Jackson. “To be able to be 1 and 2 with [Jackson] is great,” Bowe said. “It’s going to be fun.” The developments from the trials reflect the resilience and determination of these athletes as they prepare for the challenges ahead at the Winter Olympics.