Wisconsin's Stolz Chases Historic 3rd Olympic Gold

A Wisconsin speed skater is racing toward history Thursday in Italy, chasing a feat only one person has accomplished in nearly half a century.

Jordan Stolz takes the ice for the 1500 meter speed skating event with a chance to become just the second athlete ever to win three gold medals in speed skating at a single Winter Olympics. The only other person to achieve this? Fellow American Eric Heiden in 1980.

"It's going to be a remarkable evening," said Casey FitzRandolph, who won Olympic gold in 2002. "On the precipice of doing something nobody has done other than Eric Heiden in 1980. That's not just Wisconsinites or Americans, that's in the world, in that sport."

Stolz has already claimed two golds in Italy, dominating his competition with powerful performances that have captivated viewers back home. Now he stands on the edge of Olympic immortality, representing not just Wisconsin but showcasing what dedication and talent can achieve on the world's biggest stage.

FitzRandolph, who visited a Madison television station Wednesday to preview the race, knows exactly what pressure Stolz faces. The weight of history sits on every stride, but the young athlete has proven himself more than capable of handling big moments.

Why This Inspires

Stories like Stolz's remind us that records exist to be broken and that every generation produces athletes who push beyond what seemed possible. His journey from Wisconsin ice rinks to Olympic podiums shows young athletes everywhere that hometown dreams can become global reality.

Whether Stolz makes history Thursday or falls just short, he's already proven himself among the greatest speed skaters of his generation. But for Wisconsin fans and Olympic enthusiasts worldwide, the chance to witness history makes Thursday's race unmissable.