American speed skater Jordan Stolz plans to compete in both the World Sprint Championships and the World Allround Championships in Thialf over four days, aiming to win two distinct world titles.
NOS Schaatsen, Netherlands
Jordan Stolz will take part in a demanding schedule at the Thialf ice rink, skating eight races across four days, with the World Sprint Championships held over the first two days and the World Allround Championships over the weekend. Stolz described the challenge as probably the toughest combination he has faced, saying he expects to endure considerable pain but will give his best effort.
Following strong performances at the recent Winter Games in Milan, where Stolz earned two gold medals and a silver—the most medals by any American at those Games—he immediately traveled to Friesland to prepare for the upcoming world championships. Unlike other American medalists, Stolz chose to rest and focus on his mental preparation rather than participate in celebrations such as White House visits.
Stolz acknowledged that while he had hoped to win three gold medals at the Winter Games, securing two golds and one silver remains a significant achievement. His successes have contributed positively to the profile of speed skating in the United States.
Transitioning from the Olympics to back-to-back world championships within the same week presents a psychological challenge. Stolz is the first male skater to compete in both the sprint and allround world championships during the same week, a format adopted since 2020. Previously, female skater Miho Takagi attempted this feat but withdrew early in the allround competition.
Stolz embraced the opportunity to make history by pursuing both titles. While defending his allround world title remains important, winning the sprint championship would place him among the few skaters, including Eric Heiden and Shani Davis, to have won world titles in both disciplines. This potential accomplishment holds significant meaning for Stolz.
