February 14, 2026 – West Bend, Wi – It didn’t take long after local speedskater Jordan Stolz won gold at the Olympics for the next generation of skaters to be inspired to hit the ice.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Jordan Stolz from the Town of Wayne, blazed to gold, and within hours, a new crop of skaters laced up at home and hit the ice.
Aron Rodman from Extra Mile Landscape Supply on CTH P shared a video of his daughter and her friends gliding across the ice at Regner Park, their laughter and determination echoing the Olympic moment they had just witnessed.
“Well, for all the kids in that video, the realization that someone who lives right around us could be in the Olympics was an incredible realization for them,” said Rodman.
“It was also unbelievable for them that their dad could text someone who could send a video to the guy who won the Olympics. Sort of that six degrees of Kevin Bacon; from them, to Judy, to Jordan.”
Rodman said that connection changed something for the girls.
“It shows them that greatness is not some far away thing reserved for people you’ve never met and never could be like. That it is possible.”
For Rodman and his daughters, skating started simply.
“My girls and I picked up ice skating last year. Not competitive, not organized, just really enjoying being outside skating in different places. The river in Cedarburg, Regner Park, downtown in Neenah, wherever there is some cleared ice,” he said. “They seem to find it interesting as they skate around the ice that somebody else did that same thing and now is winning the Olympics.”
While Stolz’s speed commands headlines, Rodman said it is something deeper that resonates.
“From what I can see, this young man has Godly character, kindness, and humility. He is more concerned with mastering the art of what he does as well as the competition and sport of it than he is with the fame and glory that will come from the achievements he is gaining,” he said. “Jordan seems to have very good wisdom about when is the time to focus on competing, and when is the time to enjoy your achievement and the spoils that come with it.
“It seems there are many young children around the community that really are looking up to him and excited for his accomplishments. It appears that he is taking that responsibility seriously. His face is all over the TV, he’s on probably more Olympic ads than anyone else.”
The video below was submitted by Addison Elementary during their Jordan Stolz watch party.
In nearby Kewaskum, award-winning baseball coach Doug Gonring said he has replayed the race again and again.
“Well after rewatching the race 3-4 times I get goosebumps,” said Gonring. “I’m very proud to know his parents and watching from a distance him growing up and do what he has accomplish the last four years it has been amazing. It just proves hard work and complete sacrifice to reach a goal can be achieved by anyone. Following dreams and work hard to get what you want.”
Gonring compared Stolz’s Olympic pursuit to another small town athlete who reached the pinnacle of his sport.
“It reminds me of Ryan Rohlinger getting a World Series ring for his pursuit of excellence in baseball,” he said. “Small towns big dreams with big rewards. Congrats to Jordan.”
Peacock and NBCsports.com have been broadcasting the races. #OlympicGames
