In an electrifying showcase of speed skating dominance, Americans Erin Jackson and Jordan Stolz emerged victorious in their respective World Cup races on Friday, seizing the spotlight in the absence of some of their top Dutch rivals. The competition, held in Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Poland, was nothing short of thrilling as both athletes made significant statements ahead of the season's final stretch.
Erin Jackson's Stunning Victory in the 500m Olympic gold medalist Erin Jackson delivered a powerful performance in the women's 500m, clocking an impressive 38.08 seconds. She edged out Dutch short track sensation Suzanne Schulting by a razor-thin margin of just nine hundredths of a second. Jackson's victory marks her second win in eight 500m races this season, bringing her within just two points of World Cup season leader Andzelika Wojcik of Poland, who finished fourth on Friday.
This season has been a test of resilience for Jackson. Battling health challenges and, more specifically, a persistent back injury, she has continued to prove why she remains one of the top sprinters in the world. Since her gold-medal triumph at the 2022 Olympics, Jackson has been navigating these obstacles with sheer determination.
“As I get more comfortable with my back and start taking some more risks, we'll see how it plays out,” Jackson shared, according to the International Skating Union. “But I think I’ll probably save that for the World Championships in Hamar, Norway, in March.”
Jordan Stolz Dominates in Poland with Back-to-Back Wins Meanwhile, on the men’s side, Jordan Stolz showcased why he is one of the most formidable skaters in the world, securing victories in both the 500m and 1500m events. The 19-year-old phenom delivered a scorching 500m performance, clocking in at 34.49 seconds, decisively beating Canadian competitor Laurent Dubreuil by 24 hundredths of a second.
But Stolz wasn’t done yet. Just 90 minutes later, he returned to the ice and won the 1500m with a time of 1:45.08. In an absolute photo finish, he edged out Norway’s Peder Kongshaug by a mere four-thousandths of a second, keeping his record streak in the event alive.
A Record-Breaking Streak Continues Stolz’s dominance in the 1500m has been nothing short of historic. With this win, he extended his World Cup streak to seven consecutive victories in the event, making him the record holder for the longest unbeaten run by a male skater in the 1500m. His last defeat in the distance? It came over a year ago, in December 2023, at this very same venue in Tomaszów Mazowiecki.
Adding even more to his growing legacy, Stolz had won 18 consecutive World Cup races across multiple distances—500m, 1000m, and 1500m—before finishing second in his last 500m race on February 2 in Milwaukee. That slight stumble, however, didn’t stop him from bouncing back in Poland with a vengeance.
Overcoming Health Setbacks to Stay on Top It’s been a tough few weeks for Stolz, who revealed that he had been battling strep throat and pneumonia leading up to the event. Despite not being in peak physical shape, his performance was a testament to his sheer skill and endurance.
“I’m not in too bad of shape, as we could see,” he said in a press release. “I think if I wouldn’t have been sick the past two weeks, it could have been much faster, but I’m happy with how it went.”
Dutch Skaters Opt Out, Leaving the Door Open One of the major talking points of the weekend was the absence of several top Dutch skaters, which created a prime opportunity for Jackson and Stolz to capitalize on. This World Cup event falls between two critical moments for the Dutch team—their World Championship trials last week and the upcoming season finale in the Netherlands. As a result, big names like Femke Kok, the two-time reigning women’s 500m world champion, and Jenning de Boo, one of Stolz’s biggest challengers in the 500m and 1000m, decided to sit this one out.
Their absence, however, doesn’t take away from the sheer brilliance of Jackson and Stolz’s victories. Both skaters have consistently proven their dominance regardless of competition, and their latest performances only strengthen their positions heading into the final World Cup event and the World Championships.
What’s Next? The World Cup action continues Saturday, streaming live on Peacock, with more opportunities for these American stars to shine. As the season builds towards its climax, Jackson is focused on staying healthy and ramping up for the World Championships, while Stolz looks to maintain his winning streak and further solidify his legacy.
For Jackson, the journey is about more than just medals—it’s about representation and breaking barriers in speed skating. As she sets her sights on Milan 2026, she remains committed to pushing through adversity and inspiring the next generation.
“I’m here to be visible,” she has stated in the past. And with performances like this, there’s no doubt she’s making her mark.
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