'Anything can happen': Wisconsin's Jordan Stolz sets sights on Olympic gold
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- "I started exactly, you know, doing this," Jordan Stolz says. "On a learn to speed skate, or public skate. And yeah, just saw some speedskating and wanted to start."
Such became the career of Jordan Stolz. And on most days? You can find the rising speedskating superstar, right here at the Pettit National Ice Center. Skating with the public.
"Well, it's not something you can do in other sports," Stolz says. "Having the big-name people walk around in public. Here anybody can walk up to anybody and say hello or ask for some tips."
Once anonymous? Stolz now gets asked for selfies.
"In the Netherlands? Everybody knows who you are," Stolz says. "Here there's like maybe one or two that you run into eventually who know who you are. So, I appreciate that because you know, when speedskating's not very popular here and there's somebody who watches it? That's really nice. So, I wish more people would pay attention to it."
What's also nice? Stolz is becoming the face of speedskating.
"Try not to let people down," Stolz says. "You know, I mean obviously I have expectations, but I try not to think about that either. Just focus on what I can do."
What he can do is spectacular.
"The record is 23 wins in a row. I'm at 16 right now," Stolz says. "So, I have to win in Calgary, and I have to win here, and then if I do that? I'm good to go."
It's clear. This 20-year-old is the target of his world competition.
"Everybody, you know is coming after me," Stolz says. "There's kind of a target on my back so I can see the progress in some of the skaters too. So, they're, I think that motivates me because I know they're trying to catch me and they really want to."
The Kewaskum native is the current World Record holder in the thousand meters and a 6-time World Champion. At age 18, he became the first male to ever win 3 Golds in the 500, 1000 and 1,500 in the World Championships and then defied the odds to win all three again this past season.
"This year, some of my goals are you know, like winning the overall World Cup which I haven't done before," Stolz says. "The overall points. Pretty much just set myself up leading into next season for the Olympics. Trying to be as strong as I can for that."
That word gold, that Jordan embraces one year, and one month away from the 2026 Games.
"I can see all the things that I've improved on," Stolz says. "And I think that gives me the best chances to win a gold medal. So obviously I have a lead right now on the competition. Obviously, things can change at the Olympics. But I think I'll be ready for that based on how the last experience was."
Without winning gold? Stolz is compared to the greats of sport. Eric Heiden, and Dan Jansen. Also, both state natives who trained here in Milwaukee.
"They all skated in Milwaukee too and trained here," Stolz says. "So, I'm glad for the support from them because I think back in their day? Winning a gold medal, you know they're kind of like the pride of speedskating. Dan Jansen, his story is you know pretty amazing. So having him support me and Eric both you know at the same time. I don't think there's any other skater who's getting that kind of support right now, so it means a lot."
Just last weekend? Jordan Stolz set another record. That time was 34.09 in the 500, smashing the previous Pettit Center record of 34.4.
"Hopefully for the World Cup yeah," Stolz says. "I'd be the first person to go 33 at sea level. And 33, going 33 in general is kind of rare. So, I'd love to do that at sea level. I think that would be amazing."
The World Cup Stolz speaks of will be January 31st through February 2nd. It will be the first held at the Pettit in nearly 20 years. And yes, he has more goals in mind.
"Well, I'd to defend you know, or keep winning the medals because I haven't lost a World Cup yet this season," Stolz says. "So, I'd like to continue that streak. Especially here in Milwaukee. I don't wanna get beat on my home track."
And somehow you feel with maturity beyond his two decades, he'll do it.
"I think just racing in general, anything can happen," Stolz says. "So, you know, putting pressure on yourself or feeling nervous isn't going to help the situation or it can make it worse. So, the best thing is to just try to keep realistic and not think about what's going to happen in the race or a time or anything. Just focus on what you can do."