Wisconsin Lawmakers Celebrate Homegrown Olympic Talent

Wisconsin Legislature Honors Homegrown Olympians Competing on the World Stage

As the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Italy bring together the world’s top winter athletes, Wisconsin lawmakers are pausing legislative business to celebrate the Badger State’s own competitors on the international stage. During recent Senate floor sessions, legislation covering a wide range of policy issues moved forward, but one moment stood out for its symbolic recognition of athletic excellence and hometown pride.

Senate Floor Session Adjourned in Honor of Olympic Champion

On February 11, 2026, State Sen. Dan Feyen adjourned the Wisconsin State Senate floor session in honor of his constituent, 21-year-old Kewaskum native Jordan Stolz. The Olympic speed skater has already captured his first gold medal of the 2026 Winter Games and broken an Olympic record this year, bringing national and international attention to his hometown and to Wisconsin as a whole. Lawmakers took the moment to congratulate Stolz on his achievement and wish him continued success as he competes in the days ahead, turning a routine legislative adjournment into a moment of shared celebration.

The recognition highlighted the pride Wisconsinites feel when one of their own rises to the highest levels of international competition. It also underscored how achievements in sports can unite communities across political lines, offering a reminder of what can bring people together beyond the debates that dominate the Capitol.

Legislature Moves to Formally Recognize Wisconsin Athletes

That sense of unity is reflected in 2025 Senate Joint Resolution 130, introduced earlier this month and referred to the Committee on Senate Organization. The resolution celebrates Wisconsin athletes competing in the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games in Italy, recognizing the state’s long tradition of winter sportsmanship and the athletes who have trained for years to reach the world stage.

The resolution notes that several Wisconsinites are representing the United States across a range of disciplines. In biathlon and Nordic combined, Deedra Irwin of Pulaski, Paul Schommer of Appleton, and Ben Loomis of Eau Claire are competing on snow-covered courses that test endurance and precision. Their presence highlights the depth of winter sports talent cultivated across Wisconsin communities.

From Snow to Ice, Wisconsin’s Reach is Wide

Wisconsin’s impact extends beyond skiing events. In wheelchair curling, Steve Emt of DeForest, Dan Rose of Tomah, Laura Dwyer of Oconomowoc, and Matt Thums of Ogema are competing, showcasing the state’s strong representation in Paralympic sport. On the ice, Liam Cunningham of River Falls is skating in sled hockey, Jordan Stolz continues to race in speedskating, Jadin O’Brien of Pewaukee is competing in bobsled, and Marcus Mueller of Brookfield is representing the U.S. in luge.

The resolution also points to Wisconsin’s broader influence in winter sports development. Madison is the birthplace of cross-country skier Gus Schumacher and biathlete Joanne Reid, the daughter of Wisconsinite and Olympian Beth Heiden Reid. Several members of the U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Team have distinguished themselves as Badger stars, and former University of Wisconsin standout Adéla Šapovalivová is competing for Czechia.

A State United in Support

Together, the Senate’s floor tribute and the resolution honoring Wisconsin athletes reflect a moment of pride that extends beyond partisan lines. From Kewaskum to the world stage in Italy, Wisconsin’s athletes embody dedication, perseverance, and excellence. As they compete, the state’s lawmakers and residents alike are united in cheering them on, celebrating not just medals and records, but the spirit of effort and commitment that brought them there.