The US speed skating sphere has proudly nurtured some phenomenal speed skaters. Jordan Stolz is the latest name in it. The 19-year-old American prodigy has already claimed the individual gold symbols in the ISU World Single Distances Championships two times. The latest one came just a few days back, in Calgary. Moreover, his trailblazing earning of nine world titles last year already attracted comparison with a short-track speed skating legend who instilled numerous lofty accomplishments in Stars and Stripes. 

The national speed skating authority recently sent a thankful gesture to that legend, with another spearhead who is still etching her mark in the sport. The resulting situation panned out to be riveting and motivational in the same place. 

US speed skating hails two of its most astonishing champions 

Last Saturday, Kristen Santos-Griswold earned her 1500m victory in the speed skating world cup in Poland. That season-ending achievement placed her in the same seat as Apolo Ohno. Now, this duo holds the American record of having all the distance gold medals in World Cup history. Noting that one-of-a-kind procurement, US speed skating’s X-handle wrote a paean for the legends in its post. “The only two U.S. short trackers to ever get a World Cup in the 500m, 1000m & 1500m,” it read. 

Kristen Santos-Griswold elevated herself to this position after a consistent performance this season. Albeit taking five World Cup victories this season, the 29-year-old speed skater found her ultimate joy in defeating arch-rival Suzane Schulting this time. On the other hand, with the possession of all the individual events, Apolo Ohno also showcased his 8 Olympic medals to be the most successful face in American speed skating history. So this coveted nomination with a legend might boost Kristen’s confidence in the upcoming days. 

Some fireworks pave the hopeful days 

“I was really excited that I had a Gold in every distance, which was my ultimate goal. This sets me up with more confidence for World Championships,” Kristen Santos-Griswold said after her historical achievement. The whole World Cup season was marvelous for her and the American team. However, the upcoming months will hold some dissimilar challenges for her and the national squad. 

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In March, the Netherlands will host the short-track Worlds. The last time a short-track world medal came to the USA was in 2014. Extending the agony, in 2012, the last medal victory came in the US women’s category in the same contest. So this time, the hopeful bunch of Santos-Griswold and Julie Letai will aim to change history. The latest achievement should motivate Kristen Santos-Griswold to excel at reaching bigger heights. 

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