US golden boy Stolz ready to shine in Italy

Jordan Stolz was already a prodigiously talented speed skater when he made his Olympic debut as a teenager three years ago, so it is no surprise that the Team USA star is heading to next year's Milano-Cortina Games brimming with confidence.

Since finishing 13th in the 500m and 14th in the 1,000m at the age of 17 at his first Winter Olympics, Stolz has earned a reputation as one of the world's fastest sprinters.

Six world championship golds and a couple of world records, including one in the 1,000m, have given him good reason to expect to bring home at least a medal from the Milano Speed Skating Stadium next February.

"Going into this year, I feel like I'm way better than I was going into 2022," the now 21-year-old told reporters.

"I have way more experience, too, with the World Cups, nutrition and planning and (dealing with) jet lag. So I don't really see too many obstacles.

"I don't really let too many things get into my head now. If I have a really perfect race, which I think I'll be able to, it should be a good result."