OLYMPICS: Speed skating-Confident American Stolz sets sights on glory in Milan

MILAN – American speed skating sensation Jordan Stolz is entering the Milano Cortina Olympics brimming with confidence, rating himself "95%" ready as he aims for gold.

At just 21, Stolz is considered the favorite in three individual long-track events—the 500 meters, 1,000 meters, and 1,500 meters—when competition begins Saturday. He is also targeting the mass start event, which remains unpredictable.

"Ninety-five percent—that's how I'd rate my confidence heading into the Olympics," Stolz said Thursday at a Ralph Lauren red carpet event.

He credited his recent training and competitions for his preparedness. "The World Cup in Inzell went well. Since then, I've had top-speed training and tempo work. I feel good. There's not much more I’d ask for. Not much to complain about. The ice is good enough for me."

Stolz’s first race, the 1,000 meters, is scheduled for next Wednesday. He said he only needs light preparation before then. "I'll just touch on a few things, maybe do interval sessions, feel the ice, and get a lot of sleep. Honestly, I'm feeling good, so I think it'll be all right."

The young skater made his Olympic debut at 17 during Beijing 2022, finishing 13th in the 500 meters and 14th in the 1,000 meters. Since then, he has established himself as one of the fastest sprinters in the world.

"I'm enjoying it. It's nice to be here again after four years. The Olympics only come once every four years, so I'm trying to enjoy it as much as I can," Stolz said.

He also commented on the ice conditions. "The first couple of days, the ice wasn’t exactly where I wanted it, but they were still prepping it. Now it’s where I like it."

-Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare and Rory Carroll in Milan; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters