Jordan Stolz of the U.S. began his quest for four gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan by winning the men's 1000 meters speedskating event on Wednesday, February 12th. The victory marked a significant achievement for Stolz, who had dreamed of this moment since childhood, according to NPR Politics.
Stolz, who first fell in love with speedskating while watching the 2010 Winter Olympics, celebrated his win atop the podium. The Associated Press reported that the young athlete had been practicing since he was five years old on a frozen pond in his Wisconsin backyard. The win was a culmination of years of dedication and training.
The 2026 Winter Olympics also saw other significant events. Skier Breezy Johnson celebrated a gold medal win, which was followed by a surprise engagement, as reported by NPR News. This event highlighted the intersection of personal milestones and athletic achievement.
Meanwhile, the competition provided a unique experience for other athletes. Max Naumov, competing in the men's short program at the Milano Ice Skating Arena on February 10th, found a sense of calm amidst the pressure. He told TIME, "Obviously the stakes are high and it's the biggest stage, but in all honesty, I felt calm and comfortable." Naumov's journey to the Olympics was particularly poignant, as he had lost his parents, who were also his coaches, in January 2025. Making the Olympic team was a family goal, according to TIME.
In other news, three-time Grammy winner Victoria Monét signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) for touring representation in North America and other agency areas, as reported by Variety. UTA will work to secure opportunities across touring, film, and television.
The week's events, as summarized by NPR Politics, included both triumphs and tragedies. While Stolz celebrated his gold medal, the world also mourned the passing of James Van Der Beek. Additionally, authorities were investigating a mass shooting in British Columbia, and Prince Harry voiced support for families suing social media platforms.
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