Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images
(West Des Moines, IA) -- A West Des Moines speed skater is headed to the world stage at this year’s Winter Olympics in Milan.
“It’s still pretty surreal, a childhood dream that’s come true. Although it’s the highest level we can achieve, it’s still just another race, and that’s how you have to think about it so the environment doesn’t overwhelm you,” said Zach Stoppelmoor, Speed Skater for Team USA.
The Iowa native began inline speed skating on roller skates at Skate West and Skate South in Des Moines when he was just six years old. The 26‑year‑old, nicknamed the “Silver Bullet” for the silver helmet he wore as a child, says the rink played a major role in his early life.
“That’s where a majority of my childhood was spent: skating at Skate South,” Stoppelmoor said.
In 2019, he transitioned to ice speed skating to pursue his dream of competing in the Olympics.
Stoppelmoor is the first Iowan to make the U.S. Olympic Speedskating Team. He set a world record in team sprint during the 2024–25 season and earned a bronze medal at the 2025 World Championships.
“One of the things I love about the sport is just how fast we can go. It’s the fastest self‑propelled sport, I think we reach speeds of 30 to 40 miles an hour,” Stoppelmoor said.
The 2026 Winter Olympics kick off February 6.