Jordan Stolz’s dream of becoming the first man in 32 years with three Olympic golds in long track speedskating was fading on Saturday as he raced for a medal in the mass start at the Milan Cortina Games. With four laps left, it appeared unlikely that anyone else would challenge Jorrit Bergsma, a 40-year-old veteran who had already won gold in his first race of these Olympics.
The final event featured Way ahead, the Norwegian skater led by example, demonstrating little hunger to overtake the leaders as they approached the finish line. Stolz’s initial assumption that others would try to catch up did not materialize; he remained focused on managing his energy rather than risking injury or defeat in a race where victory was seemingly within reach.
“I thought if I chased with five laps left, I’d have blown myself out,” said Stolz. A 21-year-old from Wisconsin, he had started the competition with two golds and one silver by winning both the 500 meters and 1,000 meters, as well as securing a second in the 1,500.
But his concentration on saving energy for future races resulted in fourth place, behind Bergsma who finished first. The silver medalist was Danish skater Viktor Hald Thorup, while Italian athlete Andrea Giovannini took bronze with a final sprint that edged out Stolz’s team.
Stolz’s coach, Bob Corby, described the race as one of the most unexpected he had ever seen, where all participants seemed content to settle for bronze rather than risk exhaustion or failure in pursuit of gold. “There’s no way it should have ended like this,” said Corby with a chuckle.
In contrast, Bergsma, now a total of five-time Olympic medalist and winner of both the 10,000 meters and mass start at these Games, expressed delight over his victory: “It’s really wonderful to win in my last Olympics.”
The race’s outcome mirrored Stolz’s own aspirations; he had finished 13th and 14th in his first Olympic appearance two years ago. “Two golds and a silver is pretty good,” he conceded, reflecting on the balance between achievements and unfulfilled potential.
Bergsma’s performance not only secured him a fifth Olympic medal but also added to his personal legacy. In the women’s mass start competition, Marijke Groenewoud of the Netherlands took gold, while Canadian Ivanie Blondin won silver in consecutive Games for the second time with Canada, and Mia Manganello clinched her U.S. team’s third place.
Blondin’s teammates had also excelled earlier in the competition by securing a second straight team pursuit title. As she waited to receive her medals, she expressed pride over representing her country: “It’s so special for me.”
Stolz, who watched his rivals take home golds and silver, seemed bemused by the outcome. “I didn’t expect that anyone would chase, which is understandable given how I’m doing well in my career,” he reasoned.
Despite not earning a medal, Stolz’s performance at these Olympics marked an impressive journey; from finishing 13th at the age of 17 to securing his third Olympic medal. His two golds and one silver have solidified his place among speedskating history, underscoring both his potential and occasional lapses in strategy.