2026 Olympic Men’s 1000m Speed Skating Prediction & Preview

The men’s 1000m speed skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina features a heavy favorite from the United States. After years of anticipation, this sprint distance sees some of the fastest skaters on the planet ready to challenge for Olympic glory. Before the skaters take to the ice for this event, I’ve got you covered with my men’s 1000m speed skating prediction.

Olympic Men’s 1000m Speed Skating Betting Odds

• Jordan Stolz (USA): -700
• Jenning De Boo (NED): +700
• Damien Zurek (POL): +800
• Joep Wennemars (NED): +1600
• Kjeld Nuis (NED): +4000
• Finn Sonnekalb (GER): +5000
• All Others: +6600 or more

Olympic Men’s 1000m Speed Skating Major Storylines

The 1000m event is centered around a handful of storylines that could shape the outcome in Milan Cortina. First and foremost is Jordan Stolz, the American prodigy who has taken speed skating by storm. At age 21, Stolz has become the face of men’s speed skating, boasting a 14-race unbeaten streak in the 1000m on the World Cup circuit. His dominance includes multiple world titles and world records, and his consistency over the past few seasons has set him apart from his peers.

Despite that, the road to Olympic gold isn’t without competition. Polish skater Damien Zurek has impressed on the European circuit and is viewed as Stolz’s main challenger outside of the Dutch contingent. Zurek claimed gold at the 2026 European Championships with a time that showcases his speed and tactical ability over the distance.

The Netherlands, long renowned for its rich speed skating tradition, has several contenders. Jenning De Boo and Joep Wennemars have shown they belong among the world’s best, with Wennemars clinching the 1000m title at the 2025 World Single Distances Championships. Veteran Kjeld Nuis, a multiple Olympic champion, is skating in what is likely his final Games, adding a sentimental angle to his bid for a medal.

Olympic Men’s 1000m Speed Skating Medal Contenders

1. Jordan Stolz (USA): With a commanding World Cup season and unrivaled consistency in the 1000m, Stolz is the favorite for a reason. His technique, speed, and race IQ make him extremely hard to beat in a single-lap sprint.
2. Damien Zurek (POL): Zurek brings strong recent results, including a European Championships title, and is one of the few skaters who can punch competitive times near Stolz’s best.
3. Jenning De Boo (NED): A rising Dutch star, De Boo has shown he can challenge the top skaters, and his early-season success suggests he could be a medal threat if the conditions suit his style.
4. Joep Wennemars (NED): Wennemars won the 1000m at Worlds in 2025 and possesses the blend of raw speed and tactical execution that could earn him a podium finish.
5. Kjeld Nuis (NED): The seasoned campaigner has an Olympic gold pedigree and could leverage his experience to upset if the favorites falter.

Men’s 1000m Speed Skating Prediction

Pick:

Confidence: 5/5

Final Thoughts

Jay Sanin

Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.