February 11, 2025 – Milan, Italy – The Stolz family and neighbors across Washington County, Wi, are cheering the newest Olympic gold medalist Jordan Stolz after his record-setting performance in the 1000m at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
“Wonderful to see Jordan stepping up on the big stage and coming away with the gold and breaking the Olympic record that stood since 2002,” texted fellow gold-medal Olympian Shani Davis. “Couldn’t be happier for him and his family and supporters.”
Stolz, who holds the world record in the 1000m at 1:05.37, set a new track record and Olympic record with a time of 1:06.28.
Pitted against Dutch favorite and familiar foe Jenning De Boo, the crowd – dressed primarily in Netherlands orange, really got behind De Boo from the start.
At Addison Elementary School, halfway round the world the cheers were also deafening.
“It was an incredibly proud and energetic moment here at Addison today,” said principal Joel Dziedzic. “The gym was packed with students and staff, and the excitement was a different level. As the races began, students cheered for every competitor—chanting “USA, USA!” even when there wasn’t an American racing…”
“As Jordan’s race approached, the energy skyrocketed. When students saw him on the screen, surrounded by red, white, and blue, and ready to race they erupted. The gym filled with chants of “Jordan Stolz! Jordan Stolz!” and “USA, USA!” They cheered through the entire race, then jumped to their feet—literally jumping up and down—when he won.
“Not everyone fully understood he had just set an Olympic record, so we made sure to explain what an incredible accomplishment it was. It was such a fun, unforgettable day for our students and staff!
“So neat for our students to see his name on our record board here at school for pull-ups and now on national TV at the Olympics setting a record!! Dreams do come true.”
After the race Stolz was welcomed by his parents and sister, Hannah, with huge hugs and the comment, “I did it,” while Stolz clutched his circular gold Olympic medal.
“Mission accomplished,” said Dirk Stolz. “It took us 16 years to get here but that was his goal and the grind and all the sacrafices made finally paid off.”
Fellow Olympic gold medalist Dan Jansen weighed in. “So proud of him! I was probably more nervous than he was. He is a generational talent,” said Jansen.
Behind the scenes following the awards ceremony and the raising of the American flag and playing of the National Anthem, Stolz was whisked into two press conferences. The whole session from the win to waiting for Joep Wennemars to skate one more time, to circling the rink holing the American flag aloft… Stolz said it went by quickly.
“It was just a feeling like, I finally did it,” he said. “It almost doesn’t seem real, because you’ve been waiting four years to finally do it.”
Chucker Dreher was watching from school in Kewaskum. A bear and mushroom sandwich was his celebratory treat. “The TV announcers just said he was from Milwaukee,” said Dreher.
Cover photo courtesy US Speedskating
February 11, 2026 – Milan, Italy – Three cheers for the young man from the Town of Wayne! Warmups just wrapped up and Jordan Stolz is looking strong ahead of his 1000m Winter Olympic debut in Milan, Italy.
Stolz has huge support in the stands. Not only will his family be cheering him on but most of the Dutch are also saying “Stolz has the edge.”
On a side note – if you’re watching on TV, early word is that WILL be Snoop Dog sitting next to the family.
Peacock and NBCsports.com have been broadcasting the races. #OlympicGames
