AT THE MILANO-CORTINA OLYMPICS, when Canada's Laurent Dubreuil completed the men's 500-meter speed skating event, he shattered an Olympic record. While most athletes would revel in such a moment, Dubreuil was acutely aware of the impending challenge posed by Team USA's Jordan Stolz, who was set to skate next.
"I thought to myself, 'This record won't last long,'" Dubreuil shared with the media after earning a bronze medal. Stolz subsequently clinched his second gold and set another Olympic record with a remarkable time of 33.77 seconds, surpassing the previous record by .55 seconds. His performance highlighted the exceptional combination of physical attributes that distinguish him from his peers in men's speed skating.
Stolz's competitors describe him as possessing a rare combination of explosive speed and enduring stamina. Dubreuil noted that few speed skaters can master both skills. This unique athletic prowess has catapulted Stolz to stardom, particularly in the Netherlands, where fans have affectionately nicknamed him "Straaljager," meaning "fighter jet." His popularity is comparable to that of basketball legends like Michael Jordan and LeBron James in the U.S.
"What makes him exceptional is purely physiological," Dubreuil remarked. "He has both power and endurance." Observing Stolz race reveals his explosive starts; while many skaters lose momentum after 300 or 400 meters, Stolz maintains his energy, allowing him to excel in speed skating's most demanding events. His versatility positions him as a favorite for the upcoming 1,500-meter race.
Dubriel expressed, "If I attempted a 1,500, I would likely finish last. I'm a sprinter." In contrast, Stolz excels across disciplines. "He can exert power on the ice when others are fatigued. It's astonishing to watch, but it's a level of talent that's hard to replicate; he's physically superior to us."
Jenning De Boo from the Netherlands, who claimed second place in the 500 and also broke the Olympic record with a time of 33.88 seconds, described Stolz as "incredibly strong," attributing this strength primarily to his core and lower body. Like many winter athletes, Stolz focuses less on upper-body workouts, which do not contribute significantly to speed skating performance.
Stolz complements his physical capabilities with a remarkably calm mental approach. Just days before his 500-meter triumph, he had already set an Olympic record in the 1,000-meter event, which contributed to his confidence. "I got the first one out of the way," he said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stress-free mindset.
His pre-race routine is methodical; he visualizes his desired feelings during the race. Despite several false starts in preceding heats, Stolz remained unfazed, appreciating the extra time to prepare. "I'm focused on how it feels on the ice," he explained, prioritizing his sensations over rigid strategies.
As he gears up for the 1,500 meters, Stolz aims to remain relaxed, planning to take time to unwind and stick to his routine. "He's the one to beat right now," De Boo acknowledged, recognizing the challenge Stolz presents.
Even with two gold medals already secured, Stolz remains focused on the 1,500-meter race, viewing it as a crucial part of his Olympic journey. "It would feel incomplete not to win that," he remarked, underlining his determination to succeed.