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Speed skaters Erin Jackson and Jordan Stolz proudly represented Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics last month.
Jackson, who was the first Black woman to win gold in speed skating when she did so at the 2022 Olympics, entered the Olympics as one of half of the flag bearers during the opening ceremonies. Although he did not win a medal at these Games, he held his head high during every speed skating event.
Stolz walked away from the Milan Cortina Games with three medals. He won gold in the 500 and 1,000 meter races and a silver in the 1,500 meter race.
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Erin Jackson of the United States raises an American flag after winning the gold medal in the women’s 500-meter speed skating race at the 2022 Winter Olympics, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Both Team USA stars teamed up with Hershey’s for their “real gold” happiness campaign before the Games began. Jackson and Stolz received Hershey’s chocolate gold medals and were part of commercials during the Olympics.
Jackson said in one of his campaign ads that “happiness is definitely more important than winning.” He explained to Pak Gazette Digital how he kept this in mind while trying to maintain a competitive edge against the best speed skaters in the world.
“I think one thing I’ve always kept in mind and in perspective is that winning isn’t everything and losing isn’t the end of the world,” Jackson said. “I think I have a more relaxed attitude in what I do because, I don’t know, maybe because I didn’t grow up as an athlete. I grew up more as a student.
“Skating was mostly a hobby for me. I grew up doing this just for fun. It’s always something I love to do. So, all of this, it feels like a bonus, like a really nice bonus, to be able to travel the world and do this for a living. I’m going to have a good time there no matter what and I feel like that gives me a little bit of calm going to these events and knowing that no matter what happens, everything is going to be okay. Winning is awesome, but losing, it’s always like that. It gives you something to learn and apply for next time.”
Team United States of America’s Erin Jackson prepares to train on day minus four of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium on February 2, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
Jackson shared what he learned from his experience this time, given that he went home without a medal.
“I think this one taught me a lot about resilience and recovery. I mean, these last few seasons have been a little tough for me with some injuries. I’ve been dealing with this one, specifically, I lost a big chunk of my season being out with injuries,” he told Pak Gazette Digital. “It’s taught me that I can still fight my way back after all that. Of course, I always want to win a medal, but I’m really happy with how I was able to come back this season, and it’s always a learning and growing experience.”
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For Stolz, his family’s support in getting to this point meant a lot to him. They were displayed in the Hershey campaign.
He said the campaign was “really authentic and genuine” towards him and his family.
Gold medalist Jordan Stolz of the USA celebrates after the men’s 500 meter speed skating race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Saturday, February 14, 2026. (Ben Curtis/AP Photo)
Stolz talked about some of the sacrifices his family had to go through so he could compete for a gold medal.
“Yes, they have sacrificed a lot,” he told Pak Gazette Digital. “Just getting me to the rink and of course funding speed skating. My dad worked a third shift and my mom worked during the day. So it’s like my mom picks me up from the rink after my dad drops me off, so it’s a lot of driving back and forth and a lot of time.
“They put a lot into this, and it was also traveling to different competitions and, of course, the belief that they had that I could be good one day. And my mom was very optimistic about that. My dad was maybe more on the other side of, I hope I’m really good. And it ended up working out well. And I’m happy that I got to run in the Olympics in front of them. Because, of course, in China, we didn’t have that opportunity. And “It felt really good to be able to win in front of them and make them proud.”
Above all, both Olympians expressed what it meant to them to represent Team USA on the world stage.
Jordan Stolz celebrates with his gold medal on the podium in the men’s 1,000 meter speed skating race at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on February 11, 2026. (Luca Bruno/AP Photo)
“It’s an honor. There’s a lot of pride in it,” Jackson said. “I feel like the Olympics, it’s a great time that brings everyone together. Everyone can sit in front of their TV and cheer on Team USA, and it’s great to be someone they can watch, cheer on, and just have a good time during those two weeks. It’s really cool to be a part of that.”
Stolz said he was “super excited” to hear the national anthem as he stood at the top of the podium receiving his gold medal.
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“Well, I was super excited to hear the national anthem when I was on the podium,” he said. “I think that was the best part, just hearing that and supporting your country, right? To me that means a lot. “It was the first time I heard it, I think it was the world championships they played it at.
“And it’s something that stood out because it’s not another country’s anthem that’s playing, so it makes you feel really good about what you did and also about the country. I was happy to be able to get three medals, so it was super nice.”
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