Stolz Settles for Silver in 1,500m Speedskating, Gold Goes to China’s Ning Zhongyan
Milan, Italy – Jordan Stolz’s impressive run at the 2026 Winter Olympics hit a snag Thursday, as the 21-year-old American speed skater took silver in the men’s 1,500 meters. Ning Zhongyan of China claimed gold with an Olympic-record time, finishing just under a second ahead of Stolz. Kjeld Nuis of the Netherlands secured the bronze medal, also besting the previous Olympic record. This silver marks Stolz’s third medal of the games, following gold medals in the 500m and 1,000m. He will have one final opportunity for a medal in the men’s mass start on Saturday.
Ning Zhongyan Steals 1,500m Gold From Jordan Stolz in Olympic Upset
Jordan Stolz’s dominant run at the 2026 Winter Olympics hit a snag on Thursday, as the American speedskater settled for silver in the men’s 1,500-meter race. China’s Ning Zhongyan claimed gold, finishing with a blistering Olympic-record time of 1 minute, 41.98 seconds.
A Thrilling Race to the Finish
The competition was fierce, with multiple skaters challenging the Olympic record. Initially, Joep Weenemars set a latest benchmark, but Ning Zhongyan and Kjeld Nuis quickly surpassed it. Stolz, skating in the final heat, posted a time of 1:42.75, ultimately falling just short of the gold.
Stolz’s Olympic Journey So Far
This silver medal adds to Stolz’s impressive medal haul at the Milan Cortina Games. Previously, he secured gold in both the 500 meters on Sunday and the 1,000 meters last week, setting Olympic records in both events. His performance marks a significant improvement from the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he finished 13th in the 500 meters and 14th in the 1,000 meters.
Did you know? Ning Zhongyan as well secured bronze medals in the 1,000 meters and the team pursuit at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium.
A Historic Opportunity Missed
With this result, Stolz was unable to join Eric Heiden as the only American athlete to win three or more gold medals in a single Winter Olympics. Heiden achieved this feat at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, winning five speedskating events.
Looking Ahead: The Mass Start
Jordan Stolz still has one opportunity to add to his medal count at the Milan Cortina Games. He is scheduled to compete in the men’s mass start on Saturday.
The Rise of a New Generation of Speed Skaters
The Milano Speed Skating Stadium has proven to be a quick track, producing swift times and exciting races. The competition showcased the talent of a new generation of speed skaters, with Ning Zhongyan, Jordan Stolz, and Kjeld Nuis leading the charge.
Pro Tip: Speed skating relies heavily on technique and aerodynamics. Skaters focus on maintaining a low body position and minimizing wind resistance to maximize speed.
Kjeld Nuis Continues His Olympic Legacy
Kjeld Nuis of the Netherlands, a two-time Olympic champion in the 1,500 meters (2018 and 2022), secured the bronze medal on Thursday, finishing just behind Stolz. He was one of four skaters to break the previous Olympic record in the 1,500 meters at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who won the gold medal in the men’s 1,500-meter speedskating race? Ning Zhongyan of China.
- What medal did Jordan Stolz win? Silver.
- Where are the 2026 Winter Olympics being held? Milan, Italy.
- What is Jordan Stolz’s next event? The men’s mass start on Saturday.
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