HEERENVEEN - Jenning de Boo has become the talk of the skating world after his remarkable victory over Jordan Stolz at the World Cup finals held at Thialf on February 28, 2025. Competing on the 500-meter track, the Dutch skater finally lived up to the expectations as the answer to Stolz, widely considered the top skater from the U.S. After much anticipation, De Boo won with a time of 34.18 seconds, beating Stolz, who placed second at 34.27 seconds.
This win marks De Boo's first World Cup victory ever, cementing his status as one of the best sprinters on the ice today. "This is my personal victory," said De Boo immediately after crossing the finish line, clearly overwhelmed with joy and pride. Having emerged from the world of short track, he was previously under the shadow of Stolz, whose victories had created significant pressure to match his formidable talent.
For about eighteen months, whispers have circulated around De Boo, with enthusiasts and analysts alike saying, "This is the answer to Jordan Stolz." Yet, he admits, until now, he had never shown what he was capable of. "It was high time for me to prove myself," he reflected. De Boo's remarkable transformation began when he joined the long track team under coach Gerard van Velde, transforming his ambitions from merely participating to competing for gold.
During this race, Stolz already knew before De Boo made the final turn, as Stolz pointed out, "When I saw his time, I thought, I'll be able to catch him. But then I messed up." Stolz, like De Boo, is only 21 years old, and previously had gone unchallenged at various events, marking him as the best skater of the current generation.
Interestingly, Stolz faced setbacks of his own. Just one week prior to the World Cup finals, he was defeated by Evgeny Kosjkin in another 500m race, indicating his vulnerabilities. Stolz also recently dealt with throat and lung infections, which hindered his performance. "I'm not at 100% level yet, but I think I will be ready for Hamar," Stolz stated, aiming for redemption at the next significant competition.
The conditions on the ice were exceptional, creating enthusiasm among onlookers and fellow competitors. It was noted by many event-goers how De Boo handled pressure exceptionally well. He has often expressed his perspective on nerves, stating, "I embrace the nerves, even when I’m the favorite." Yet, the level of excitement from the home crowd during the World Cup was uniquely intense, making for one of the most electrifying skating conditions.
De Boo's victory is not only important for his career but also holds significance for Dutch speed skating, as he became the first male skater from the Netherlands to win at the World Cup this season on traditional distances. "I’m very proud of myself," he remarked, acknowledging both the achievement and the national pride it brought.
This triumph not only elevates De Boo's career but sets the stage for future events, including the World Championships distance competition coming up imminently. With confidence bubbling over from this significant victory, De Boo is poised for what lies next, stating, "If I'm at my best, I believe I can win again."
On the opposite end, Stolz faced additional misfortune, as he raced again following the 500m event and ended up suffering losses there too, as he fell short on the 1500-meter track against Peder Kongshaug from Norway, who emerged victorious.
This World Cup event showcased the competitive spirit inherent within modern speed skating, highlighting both the resilience and determination which defines athletes like Jenning de Boo and Jordan Stolz. Both skaters have proven their mettle on the ice, yet the narrative of this occasion will favor De Boo as the sport winds toward its major climax—the World Championships.