American speedskater Jordan Stolz narrowly missed out on a fourth medal at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, finishing fourth in the mass-start event on March 9, 2024. His teammate, Mia Manganello, concluded her career on a high note, securing a bronze medal in the women’s race.
Stolz, who had already claimed two gold medals in the 500 meters and 1,000 meters, along with a silver in the 1,500 meters, aimed to become the first man in nearly thirty years to win three golds in long-track speedskating. In the mass-start race, however, he faced challenges that ultimately undermined his pursuit of a historic achievement.
In a race characterized by its unpredictable nature, Jorrit Bergsma of the Netherlands surged ahead before the midway point, joined by Denmark’s Viktor Hald Thorup. The remaining competitors, including Stolz, hesitated to chase the leaders, believing they would tire and return to the pack.
“The guys were chasing for a little bit, and then they kind of expected me to continue chasing,” Stolz explained. “If I would have done that for the amount they wanted me to, I would have had no legs at the end of the race.” As the race progressed, Stolz noted that the other skaters settled for third place, reluctant to attempt a risky move against the frontrunners.
Reflecting on the race, Stolz expressed regret about the strategy. “If I would have known they’d be reluctant to chase, I probably would have attacked a little more,” he said. In the end, Stolz was narrowly beaten for the bronze by Andrea Giovannini of Italy, who completed a strong finish.
While Stolz’s final position did not match his aspirations, his earlier performances at the Olympics were commendable. He ended the competition with two golds and a silver, a feat he considers significant. “Two golds and a silver, I have to be pretty happy with that,” he remarked.
In contrast, Manganello’s final race brought personal triumph. Competing in her last Olympic event, she secured bronze behind Dutch gold medalist Marijke Groenewoud and Canada’s Ivanie Blondin. Overwhelmed by the moment, Manganello confirmed her retirement, stating, “Crossing the line as a medalist really solidified my career. It was a blessing to close it out with a medal.”
As the Milan-Cortina Olympics come to a close, Stolz’s journey highlights both the highs and lows of competitive sport. His impressive medal tally and the lessons learned during the mass start will shape his future in speedskating, as he aims to continue building on his success in the years to come.