KEWASKUM, Wis. — Hailing from a small town in northwest Milwaukee, Jordan Stolz is arguably the best speed skater in the world.
The young speed skater from Kewaskum is flourishing on the world stage.
Jordan Stolz has won 13 gold medals in 2024, including the World Allaround Speed Skating Championship.
He was the youngest to win in nearly 50 years. Jordan Stolz said he is happy with how his career has gone so far, but is hungry for more.
“One gold medal is a pretty big success for the Olympics, but I think I have the ability to possibly win three gold medals,” said Jordan Stolz. “That’s what I’m going to shoot for. Obviously, I’d be very happy with one gold medal.”
Stolz’s father, Dirk Stolz, created a short track on the pond behind their house so Jordan Stolz and his sister could practice.
Dirk Stolz said he put his son in skating because he prefers individual sports over team sports. He said that’s because it’s just you competing against the clock.
Dirk Stolz said he and his wife sacrificed a lot to support Jordan Stolz and his dreams, but it has made them proud. Dirk Stolz said his son will compete until he has nothing left to prove.
“Probably win a gold medal in the 500 meter, 1,000 meter, 1,500 meter, 5,000 meter, 10,000 meter, mass start and team pursuit,” said Dirk Stolz. “All of them… probably with world records. Then I think he’ll quit.”
Jordan Stolz has traveled the world to train and uses a homemade gym to keep his body in peak condition.
He said he cycles for hours at a time to build up his endurance and aerobic fitness. He said his mindset and training changed after he did not finish in the top 10 in the 2022 Winter Olympics.
“I’ve learned about preparation and preparing for the race better, and nutrition,” said Jordan Stolz.
Jordan Stolz said so far, his favorite recognitions are the Oscar Mathisen Award and the two golden skates he earned for breaking two world records in Inzell, Germany.
He said winning an Olympic medal is the next on his list.