February 13, 2026 – Milan, Italy – For Dirk and Jane Stolz, the words tumbled out somewhere between disbelief and delight at the question, “How does it feel to be parents of an Olympic champion?”
“It’s awesome. It’s so awesome. It’s the best,” said Jane.
“Yeah. Mission accomplished,” said Dirk. “It took 16 years to get here, but… you know, that was his goal.”
Sixteen years of early mornings, long drives, sharpened blades, and steady belief. Dirk summed it up simply, “The grind and all the sacrifices we made finally paid off.”
When Jordan skated into history, was awarded the gold and saw the American flag rise, he finally saw his family. The moment became a blurr as they tried to recall what he said.
“I don’t even remember,” laughed Jane.
“He just showed the medal to me and said, ‘I finally got it,” said Dirk.
His sister Hannah shared in the glow and received some sibling banter.
“He said, ‘I have a bigger medal than you now.'” For those who aren’t aware, Dirk and Jane have two kids who are nationally recognized as Hannah is well decorated for her taxidermy art – specifically birds. Click HERE for more details.
If there is a secret to Jordan’s rise to a crowing Olympic achievement and world-record status, his parents say it lives in his focus.
“He’s just laser focused,” said Jane. “In the zone.”
“He doesn’t let distractions get to him or anything like that,” said Dirk. “He’s just focused on everything.”
While Stolz came away with the gold-medal finish, there was a moment in the last lap where he trailed Jenning De Boo. The gap was visible; Dirk never flinched.
“He was a little bit behind… but I wasn’t too worried about it because his last lap; his last 300 is always really, really fast. Just like in the 1500m. When the two arms come swinging, then he’s turning it on. Then it’s over.”
While all eyes were on Jordan, there was plenty going on behind-the-scenes as Dirk and Jane were mic’ed up by NBCsports.com and, after the win, their phones erupted with calls and text messages.
“Oh, yes. I haven’t even checked anything yet,” said Jane. “Lots of text messages. We’ll spend time on that tonight.”
Gold medals shine, but so do family moments like this. One race down, and three to go.
Saturday, February 14, Stolz will compete in the 500m.
His other races are Thursday, Feb. 19 in the 1500m, and Saturday, Feb 21 in the Mass Start.
Peacock and NBCsports.com have been broadcasting the races. #OlympicGames
