At a Glance
- Jordan Stolz stumbles early but records third-fastest time in 1,000m at U.S. trials.
- He secures a spot for Milan Cortina 2026.
- Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe also qualify in the women’s 1,000m.
- Why it matters: Their performances set the U.S. roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics.
At the Pettit National Ice Center, star speedskater Jordan Stolz faced an unexpected setback when he tripped just five strides into the men’s 1,000-meter race. Despite the stumble, he recovered to finish third fastest among 33 competitors, earning a berth in Milan Cortina 2026.
Stolz Overcomes a Trip to Secure Olympic Spot
Stolz caught the toe of one of his skates on the slick surface, fell after fewer than five strides, but pushed on. He finished with a time of 1:07.966, 0.36 seconds behind the leader. The result places him among the automatic qualifiers for the 1,000m in Milan.
Jordan Stolz said:
> “I just tried to get it all out, right? Go as hard as I could and see what would happen, where I would end up.”
Jordan Stolz added:
> “Just didn’t have the right feeling. Sitting around a lot. Been a little cramped up, dehydrated, so that was more so the issue today.”
- Conor McDermott-Mostowy – 1:07.606
- Cooper McLeod – 1:07.846
- Jordan Stolz – 1:07.966
Women’s 1,000m: Jackson and Bowe Qualify
Erin Jackson finished 1:14.63 in the women’s 1,000m, beating world-record holder Brittany Bowe, who had the fastest time earlier in the day. Jackson’s performance secured her spot for the Olympics after a hamstring tear in December. Bowe earned the second U.S. berth and will attend her fourth Games.
Erin Jackson said:
> “Going into the beginning of this week, I wasn’t really sure if I was going to be able to race or not. But over the last few days, it started feeling really nice. It got better at just the right time.”
Brittany Bowe said:
> “To be able to be 1 and 2 with (Jackson) is great, and to be able to go back to the Olympics with her, and for her to have another shot to do something incredible, is going to be fun.”
Key Takeaways
- Stolz’s recovery earns him a spot in Milan Cortina 2026.
- Jackson’s comeback victory secures her Olympic berth after a hamstring injury.
- Bowe’s second place confirms her place at her fourth Games.
With the trials concluded, the U.S. speedskating team is set for the 2026 Winter Games, as Stolz, Jackson, and Bowe head to Milan Cortina.
