At the ISU Speed Skating World Cup in Heerenveen, Netherlands, the ice was electric on December 6 as 21-year-old American Jordan Stolz shattered the men's 1500m track record with a stunning 1:42.55, clinching his third gold of the season.
China's Ning Zhongyan, known for his strategic pacing, glided to a 1:43.87 finish to secure bronze, while Dutch legend Kjeld Nuisâ36-year-old world record holder and back-to-back Olympic champâclocked 1:43.12 for silver after dominating the early splits.
Stolz's breathtaking lap erased 0.45 seconds from Nuis's 2019 mark on Thialf's historic ice, signaling a new era in speed skating. His explosive speed and composure under pressure have made him a must-watch athlete this winter.
Ning's podium run highlights China's growing strength in winter sports. Holding second place after 700m, he maintained his tempo against a stacked field to deliver China's first men's 1500m medal of the World Cup season.
Next stop: Calgary. As the circuit heads overseas, skaters will chase more personal bests and records. With fresh talents like Stolz and seasoned veterans like Nuis and Ning, the hunt for World Cup glory continues to captivate fans worldwide.
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Ning Zhongyan wins 1500m bronze as Jordan Stolz sets track record
cgtn.com
