A Stumble, But Not a Setback for Jordan Stolz

MILWAUKEE — At the U.S. Olympic trials for long track speedskating, star athlete Jordan Stolz faced an unexpected challenge during the men’s 1,000 meters event. Right after the start, he stumbled onto the ice, losing his footing and tripping after just a few strides at the Pettit National Ice Center. This was a rare moment of misfortune for Stolz, who is widely expected to be a medal contender and one of the faces of the upcoming Milan Cortina Winter Games.

Despite the mishap, Stolz managed to recover quickly and finish with the third-fastest time among the 33 competitors. His performance secured his spot in the 1,000 meters event at the Olympics, as well as a place on the U.S. team.

“I just tried to get it all out, right? Go as hard as I could and see what would happen, where I would end up,” Stolz said after the race. He attributed his stumble to a recent cold that affected his usual preparation, leading to some physical discomfort and dehydration.

Stolz, who is 21 years old, is not only considered a medal favorite for multiple events but also holds the world record in the 1,000 meters. He has won two-time world championships in the 500, 1,000, and 1,500 meters, making him a strong contender for gold in Milan.

He was pre-qualified for the three Olympic races and only needed to participate in Saturday’s event to secure his roster spot. Despite the early stumble, he finished with a time that placed him among the top three automatic qualifiers in the 1,000 meters. The other qualifiers were Conor McDermott-Mostowy and Cooper McLeod, with times of 1 minute, 7.606 seconds and 1 minute, 7.846 seconds respectively.

“He handled it very impressively,” said McLeod about Stolz’s recovery. “He handled it like the many-time world champion that he is.”

Erin Jackson Overcomes Adversity to Qualify

On the women’s side, Erin Jackson made a significant statement by qualifying for the 1,000 meters. She finished faster than her friend and fellow speedskater Brittany Bowe, who holds the world record in the event. Jackson’s performance was particularly impressive given that she had recently torn her left hamstring before the start of a World Cup meet in December.

“Going into the beginning of this week, I wasn’t really sure if I was going to be able to race or not,” Jackson said. “But over the last few days, it started feeling really nice. It got better at just the right time.”

Jackson’s success at the trials was reminiscent of her journey four years ago, when she slipped in the 500 meters and failed to qualify. However, Bowe, who had already qualified, gave up her spot to Jackson, allowing her to compete in Beijing. There, Jackson became the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics.

Bowe, who will be heading to her fourth and final Olympics, finished second in the 1,000 meters with a time of 1:14.63, just 0.39 seconds behind Jackson. The two athletes, who grew up in Ocala, Florida, began their careers in inline skating before transitioning to ice speedskating.

“To be able to be 1 and 2 with (Jackson) is great,” Bowe said. “And to be able to go back to the Olympics with her, and for her to have another shot to do something incredible, is going to be fun.”

A New Chapter for U.S. Speedskating

With both Stolz and Jackson securing their spots, the U.S. speedskating team is set to make a strong showing at the Milan Cortina Winter Games. Their performances at the trials highlight not only their talent but also their resilience in the face of challenges.

For Stolz, the stumble at the start of the race serves as a reminder that even the most elite athletes can face unexpected obstacles. Yet, his ability to recover and perform at a high level demonstrates his determination and skill.

For Jackson, her journey from injury to qualification is a testament to her perseverance and dedication. As the Winter Games approach, both athletes are poised to make their mark and continue the legacy of U.S. speedskating on the global stage.