Jordan Stolz, a remarkable 21-year-old speed skating talent from the United States, has an intriguing approach to his pre-race nutrition. As he prepares to take the ice at the upcoming Milano-Cortina events, Stolz opts for a surprisingly minimalist meal: rice.
In a conversation with fitness director Ebenezer Samuel in Italy, Stolz shared, "The lunch before a race, it's only rice." Unlike many athletes who may have elaborate fueling rituals, Stolz keeps it simple, avoiding proteins or other additions. "I just feel like it doesn't sit well in my stomach. I'm trying to get as many carbs in as possible," he explained.
For athletes like Stolz, carbohydrates are essential as they provide the necessary energy for peak performance. Much like marathon runners who enjoy a pasta meal before a race, Stolz focuses on loading up on carbs to ensure he has sufficient fuel for his 500m, 1000m, and 1500m competitions. If he finds himself feeling anxious and hungry, he has a quick solution: "I'll just pop a gel, 40 grams of carbs," he noted.
While rice is his go-to before competitions, Stolz maintains a more varied diet at other times. As he approached Milan, he incorporated a good amount of protein into his meals. "Before I came here, I was eating a lot of steak," he mentioned, aiming to ensure he has ample carbs leading up to his workouts. He also included salmon in his diet.
As race day approaches, Stolz adjusts his eating habits, stating, "It's more so a mixture of probably 3,000 calories a day," a notable decrease from his usual intake of around 5,000 calories.
