Olympic Champ Jordan Stolz Returns Home to Hero's Welcome

Olympic speedskating champion Jordan Stolz signed his first forehead autograph at his hometown parade in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, and the moment perfectly captured how much life has changed for the small-town athlete. Fresh off winning two gold medals and a silver at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the 21-year-old from the Town of Wayne returned home to flag-waving neighbors and star-struck fans.

"Everyone is just excited to congratulate him and show our support," said local resident Jessica Trunkel as the parade wound through streets packed with well-wishers. Stolz spent hours signing autographs on sports cards, hands, and yes, even that one enthusiastic fan's forehead.

Before the hometown celebration, Stolz threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Milwaukee Brewers' Opening Day game. "Last time I threw a ball was like three years ago, so I just had a little practice," he said with a laugh, admitting he only rehearsed the night before.

The whirlwind of public appearances came right after Stolz attempted something no athlete had ever done. He competed in both the World Sprint Championships and World All-Around Championships on the same weekend, hoping to join legends Shani Davis and Eric Heiden as the only skaters to win both titles.

"I wasn't able to do it, but I still tried," Stolz said. Though he didn't claim both crowns, he made history just by competing in both events over one brutal weekend. "I kind of felt it for the whole week. Yeah, it was rough."

Now back home enjoying a rare break, Stolz said the recognition feels completely different than before the Olympics. "Before, I'd be able to walk around and not many people were asking for photos," he said. "But I feel like there's a lot of recognition now with the two gold medals, which is great for the sport."

Sunny's Take

The most meaningful moments for Stolz have been sharing his medals with young skaters. "I just try to put myself in my shoes," he said, remembering how he felt seeing an Olympic medal for the first time. Watching kids hold the hardware and feel its weight brings everything full circle for the champion who was once that starry-eyed kid himself.

Stolz plans to compete in two more Winter Olympics, especially the 2034 Games in Salt Lake City. "Being it's going to be on home soil, it's something that I should probably do," he said. He's even keeping the door open to track cycling and a potential Summer Olympics appearance, as long as it doesn't interfere with his skating.

For now, the competitive fire still burns bright even during his break. He's planning a time trial this weekend "just for fun, just to see what I can do after sitting around and doing nothing."

The kid from Wisconsin who became an international speedskating sensation is enjoying every moment of his hero's welcome, one autograph and gold medal selfie at a time.