Olympic speedskater Jordan Stolz placed one of his gold medals around the neck of former President Donald Trump on June 5, 2026 [1].
The interaction highlights the intersection of high-profile athletic achievement and political visibility during a public event in the U.S. Midwest.
The presentation occurred during an event honoring Wisconsin farmers [2]. Stolz, a two-time Olympic gold medalist [3], approached Trump to share the honor of his athletic success. During the exchange, Stolz placed the gold medal around Trump's neck [2].
Trump reacted to the gesture with humor regarding the ownership of the award. "Never giving this back," Trump said [4].
The event took place in Wisconsin, where the focus remained on the local agricultural community while featuring the unexpected interaction between the athlete and the former president [2]. Stolz has previously discussed the experience of sharing his Olympic achievements with Trump [5].
As a two-time champion in speedskating [3], Stolz represents a peak of American athletic performance. The public nature of the medal presentation serves as a visual bridge between the sporting world and the political sphere, occurring in a state known for its strong farming identity [2].
“"Never giving this back."”
The gesture by Jordan Stolz serves as a symbolic alignment between a top-tier U.S. athlete and a prominent political figure. By presenting a gold medal—the highest honor in sports—at a regional event for farmers, the act blends national prestige with grassroots political outreach in a key Midwestern state.
