American speed skating star Jordan Stolz delivered another electrifying moment at the Milan Cortina Games, storming to his second gold medal with a record breaking run that stunned the crowd and rewrote the Olympic history books. The 21 year old phenom crossed the line in 33.77 seconds, a time so fast it shattered the Olympic record that had been broken only minutes earlier.
Meanwhile, the victory placed Stolz just sixteen hundredths of a second shy of the world record and gave him a clear margin over the silver medalist. His closest challenger, Jenning De Boo of the Netherlands, finished in 33.88 seconds. Both athletes made history as the first skaters ever to complete the men’s 500 meter event in under 34 seconds at the Olympics.
Records Fall One After Another
Just before Stolz and De Boo took the ice, Canada’s Laurent Dubreuil momentarily held the Olympic record after posting a blazing 34.26. He ultimately settled for bronze. Entering the day, the record had stood at 34.32 seconds, yet the field demolished the mark again and again in one of the fastest sessions ever witnessed.
Stolz now sits alongside some of the most celebrated figures in American speed skating. He became the first American since Eric Heiden in 1980 to win two speed skating golds at a single Games. He also captured the 1,000 meter title earlier in the week. The United States had not won gold in the 500 meter event since Joey Cheek did it in 2006.
A Rising Legend at Full Speed
Stolz has been breaking barriers from the start of these Games. His earlier triumph in the 1,000 meters set another record with a time of 1:06.28, adding to the world record he already owned in that distance. He established that world mark in Salt Lake City in 2024 with a staggering 1:05.37.
In both events, Stolz shared the ice with De Boo, who again finished in second place. Their rivalry has become one of the defining storylines of these Games, showing how fast men’s speed skating has evolved in just a few years.
A Dominant Skater With More Races Ahead
Before arriving in Milan, Stolz had already collected 17 international titles and entered the Games considered by many to be the best speed skater in the world. His dominance has only strengthened that reputation. Still, his journey is far from over.
Stolz is also slated to compete in the 1,500 meter event, a race he has won four times at the world level, as well as the team event later in the Games. If his performances so far are any indication, he may not be finished adding to his medal count.
