Mon Jan 05 03:30:00 UTC 2026: Speed Skater Jordan Stolz Stumbles, Still Qualifies for 2026 Winter Olympics
MILWAUKEE – In a dramatic turn of events at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials held at the Pettit National Ice Center, speed skating sensation Jordan Stolz suffered an unexpected fall in his signature 1,000-meter race. Just steps into the competition, Stolz’s toe caught the ice, sending him sprawling onto the surface.
Despite the setback, Stolz demonstrated remarkable resilience. He quickly recovered and completed the race, finishing in third place with a time of 1:07.968 in front of a sold-out crowd.
The placement was enough to secure Stolz’s spot at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. As the world’s top-ranked skater, he was already pre-qualified for the Games.
“I just tried to get it all out, right?” said Stolz. “Go as hard as I could and see what would happen.”
The fall raises questions about Stolz’s readiness for the Olympics, especially as he admitted to battling illness and dehydration. “I was just feeling a little dehydrated going in to it … so I felt weird in my legs. I just got a little wide on one of the steps and toe picked,” Stolz explained.
Stolz is scheduled to compete in the 500-meter and 1,500-meter races. He will assess his condition before deciding whether to participate.
Stolz’s recovery underscores his determination and talent. With the Olympics just a month away, Stolz aims to overcome his recent challenges and compete at his best.
First Piper 