Much has been made of the weight of expectation at this year’s Winter Games, especially when it comes to American athletes.
But where the likes of Ilia Mailinin and Mikaela Shiffrin have seemingly struggled to live with the pressure, Team USA’s speed skating sensation Jordan Stolz has thrived.
In just his second Olympics, the 21-year-old has already won two gold medals in the two events he’s competed in. First came 1000m glory and an Olympic record to boot, followed by a 500m victory and another Olympic record.
It’s a worrying precedent for his rivals, given he has the chance to win another two individual gold medals in the Milan Cortina, both in the 1500m event and the mass start.
Given his record in recent years, it’s unsurprising that Stolz was expected to shine on the global stage. And while many would, and have, caved under the pressure, Stolz has only grown ever larger.
Before heading to Milan, the American spoke to CNN Sports and addressed his label of being the man to beat.
“I kind of like it,” he said. “It’s better than being the one who’s hunting. I’d rather be hunted because that means you’re doing something right and winning.”