Dan Jansen at the Winter Olympics: Witnessing History
“For the first time in 12 Olympic Games, I wasn’t competing or commentating — I got to experience it with Karen, sharing every moment together. And what an experience it was.”
Table of Contents
First Impressions: Milan and Cortina
Watching Jordan Stolz Make History
Other American Standout Performances
What Has Changed — And What Hasn’t
Memorable Moments Beyond Speed Skating
Closing Reflections
Key Takeaways
First Impressions: Milan and Cortina
Arriving in Milan for the Winter Olympics felt familiar at first — a vibrant, bustling city alive with movement. But standing in the shadow of the Duomo di Milano, surrounded by flags from around the world, the Olympic magic truly set in.
The hum of broadcast studios, the energy of international fans, and the sense of shared anticipation transformed the city into a global celebration of sport. Every step through the crowded streets was a reminder of the scale, passion, and unity the Olympics inspire.
Dan Jansen / Olympic Hospitality / 2026 Milano Cortina
Watching Jordan Stolz Make History
One of the most inspiring experiences was watching Jordan Stolz, coached by Bob Corby — the same coach who guided my Olympic journey — step onto the ice. Every race was a lesson in focus, strategy, and raw talent.
Jordan’s performance was extraordinary.
In the 1000m, he came from behind against Jenning de Boo to win by half a second, setting a new Olympic record at 1:06.28.
The 500m was a neck-and-neck battle, and he pulled ahead in the final 40 meters to set another Olympic record at 33.77 seconds.
In the 1500m, Jordan finished second despite having the fastest final lap, a reminder that at the Olympics, anything can happen. In the Mass Start, a tactical 16-lap race, he finished fourth in his Olympic debut.
Two Golds and one Silver at just 21 years old — and still improving — made witnessing these moments unforgettable.
Other American Standout Performances
The U.S. team had many moments that captured the spirit of the Games. The men earned Bronze in the Team Pursuit, while Mia Manganello captured a historic Bronze in the Women’s Mass Start during her final Olympic race. Corrine Stoddard also earned Bronze in the Women’s 1500m Short Track, overcoming early setbacks to finish strong. These performances were inspiring reminders of resilience, perseverance, and the dedication required to compete at the highest level.
What Has Changed — And What Hasn’t
Speed skating has evolved over the years, from clap skates to aerodynamic suits and faster ice surfaces. Yet some things remain constant: the thrill of races decided by hundredths of a second, the sea of Dutch fans traveling worldwide, and the excitement of American athletes contending for medals every four years. While technology may change, the passion and intensity of competition remain timeless, and the Games continue to deliver unforgettable moments.
Memorable Moments Beyond Speed Skating
The Olympics are about more than any single sport. Lindsey Vonn’s fall in the Women’s Downhill was heartbreaking after her heroic comeback, while Mikaela Shiffrin rebounded from disappointment to claim Gold in the Women’s Slalom. Ilia Malinin experienced heartbreak in the Men’s Figure Skating Long Program but handled it with grace and dignity. Alysa Liu delivered an incredible comeback performance that we didn’t see live, yet was deeply inspiring.
Team sports provided some of the most thrilling experiences. The Women’s Hockey Gold game went into overtime, with Megan Keller scoring the winner after Captain Hillary Knight tied the game late.
The Men’s Hockey Gold came in dramatic fashion as Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal against Canada, earning the first U.S. men’s gold in hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” Moments like these reminded me why the Olympics are so special and why the energy in the arenas is unlike anything else.
Closing Reflections
These Games were a powerful reminder of what it takes to reach the Olympic level: dedication, support, and perseverance.
For me, the Olympics will always represent preparation, pressure, and performance — the fine margins that define careers and legacies. Watching a new generation of athletes like Jordan Stolz achieve greatness and reconnecting with fellow Olympians made this visit unforgettable.
But experiencing it alongside Karen gave the Games a different meaning.
As Karen reflected:
“One of the most special things about the Olympics for me was getting to experience it with my own personal Olympic expert — my husband, Olympian Dan Jansen.What moved me most wasn’t just the competition. It was the unity. In a world filled with noise and division, the Olympics felt different.
People were there to support the athletes — all athletes. The crowd cheered for competitors from every country, every background, every belief.For a moment, none of the outside politics mattered. It was refreshing. It was hopeful. It was unifying.”
“I’ll always feel grateful and proud to be an Olympian, and witnessing the spirit, perseverance, and excellence on display at the Winter Games was a privilege I’ll never forget.”
Dan Jansen & Karen Palacios-Jansen at the NBC studio in Milan Cortina.
Key Takeaways
Jordan Stolz delivered an extraordinary performance: 2 Golds, 1 Silver, and a 4th-place finish at just 21.
The U.S. team demonstrated resilience with multiple podium finishes.
Speed skating technology continues to evolve, but the thrill and passion remain constant.
Memorable Olympic moments extended across alpine skiing, figure skating, and hockey.
Historic Gold medal victories in Women’s and Men’s Hockey electrified the Games.
Experiencing the Olympics alongside Karen made every moment richer and more meaningful.
Dan Jansen with Jordan Stolz
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