Kewaskum, WI – An awesome Olympic success story is opening another chapter as 1994 gold medalist Dan Jansen is stepping forward to help Kewaskum speed skater Jordan Stolz, after U.S. Speed Skating cut funding to its athletes. Those looking to make a contribution before Friday, October 25, 2024, with money from their IRA may want to consider this tax-deductible donation to help support a future Olympic champion.
It was April 3, 2024, when Cedar Community was abuzz with excitement because the ‘secret guest’ at a public-speaking engagement turned out to be none other than ‘The Fastest Man on Ice” Jordan Stolz of Kewaskum. Stolz, 20, spoke for about 30 minutes, answered questions, and then posed for pictures with Cedar Community residents and staff.
Cedar resident Frank Miezio walked away with a handshake, an autograph, and was impressed beyond belief.
“First of all, he presented so well; he was really, really impressive,” said Miezio. “His record is impressive. Then when he got up and spoke to us and when I was in line waiting to say hello, I saw how he was relating to people. He was so focused on talking to the person in front of him, he wasn’t distracted by who’s going around him or looking at different people. The attention he gave was so respectful. I mean, he’s an excellent speed skater, but he’s also a person of character.”
Miezio walked away from the event wondering if the Resident Council at Cedar Community could make a donation in appreciation.
After running up against a number of issues, Miezio was put in touch with another speed skating icon Dan Jansen.
Courtesy Dan Jansen Foundation
West Allis native Dan Jansen is known for his comeback in the 1994 Winter Olympics. After his success, Jansen started a foundation dedicated to his sister, who battled cancer, and to youth sports.
When Jansen heard, U.S. Speed Skating had some budget issues he reached out to another Wisconsin Olympic hopeful Jordan Stolz.
“I watch what’s going on and just saw the talent he has, and no matter how much he’s getting, you can always use more,” he said. “It’s not a cheap endeavor and I just wanted to help. We’re not paying for everything, we’d love to, but every little bit helps.
“I took it to my foundation board and said I want to help. We made a commitment to him at least through the Olympic Games.”
Jansen spoke with Miezio and received a donation to the Dan Jansen Foundation which will go 100% to Stolz.
“We’re a 501c3 and we’ll earmark that toward Jordan,” said Jansen. “Hopefully, that’s only the first of many other donations to go through my foundation and we’ll make sure he gets the funding.”
“Jordon is a phenom,” said Jansen. “He is an exceptional skater for someone his age. He’s the best I’ve ever seen.”
The support from Jansen and his Dan Jansen Foundation comes at a critical time for Stolz, who is already a world all-around champion at just 20 years old.
Jansen emphasized the importance of Stolz’s focus and maturity, highlighting his strong upbringing and Midwestern values.
Jansen’s foundation, established in 1995, has a long history of supporting individuals and families affected by cancer, as well as youth sports programs and educational initiatives.
The foundation has contributed over $900,000 to various charitable causes, demonstrating Jansen’s commitment to giving back.
For those interested in supporting Stolz’s training expenses, donations can be made to the Dan Jansen Foundation, earmarked for Jordan Stolz.
On a side note: Speaking one-on-one with Dan Jansen, he was asked as an Olympic gold medalist to analyze Stolz and his future in speed skating.
Jansen expressed optimism about Stolz’s future, believing he has the potential to be the face of the Winter Olympics and bring home several gold medals in the future.
This partnership between a legendary Olympic champion and a rising star in speed skating exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and support that defines the Olympic movement, inspiring others to pursue their dreams against all odds.
“Quite simply, he’s the best I’ve ever seen that age. You know, he’s done it two years in a row now. I mean, I saw Eric Heiden skate. It’s hard to compare eras because of the technology changes, the skates, the altitude, their skates.
He has a feel for the ice that I haven’t seen in a skater so young. He can always feel how to go faster and that’s rare, very rare. I can’t wait to watch.
You know, if the Olympics were last year, he’d already have three gold medals or more. But if it goes on the trajectory that it’s been on there, nobody’s gonna beat him.”
Click HERE to donate today to help support the speed skating career of Jordan Stolz.
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Hi Judy,
This is the error message I get when I click on the “donate” link:
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Dale. I refreshed. Try again. Here is the link
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