How Jordan Stolz mounted record-setting, historic comeback for USA speed skating gold medal

This was the day meant for Jordan Stolz's coronation.

And yes, the United States speed skating superstar earned his crown.

It was the Olympic final in the men's 1000-meter speed skating, and Stolz is the world record holder. 

Stolz entered the day having won his last 14 World Cup races in the 1000 meters. He's the best in the world, no question.

But weird things happen on the ice. These guys are going nearly 40 miles per hour around tight curves. Stolz wouldn't have been the first favorite to miss out on his medal.

Stolz didn't let that happen, though.

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In the fastest pairing of the day, Stolz trailed most of the way. But that gave him a good draft on the final backstretch, and he hit the bend with momentum.

Around the final curve, Stolz pretty much took flight. He soared past his Dutch opponent Jenning de Boo, past all the worries and doubts that anyone may have had, and past the finish line in an Olympic record time.

That was only the second-to-last heat, so Stolz had to wait a few minutes.

But after one more race, his 1:06.28 stood up as the gold medal-winning time.

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Stolz has a lot more on his plate at these Olympics, but this was the race, more than any other, that surely belonged to him.

Just 21 years old from Wisconsin, Stolz was meant to win on this day. And with all that expectation on his shoulders, Stolz didn't waver. He took flight and won gold.

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