Grassley Celebrates Iowan Zach Stoppelmoor Ahead of 2026 Winter Olympics

Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa Senate President Pro Tempore “Iowan in the 2026 Winter Olympics” Wednesday, February 4, 2026 VIDEO I want to honor a young Iowan who’s probably had a lifetime of hard work preparing for something that’s coming [up] very soon. The 2026 Winter Olympics begin on Friday in Italy. As the senator from Iowa, I’m proud that West Des Moines, Iowa, native Zach Stoppelmoor will be representing Team USA. Zach will be competing in his first Winter Olympics in the 500-meter speedskating competition. He first began skating around six-years-old at a place called Skate South roller rink in Des Moines. Zach credits his Iowa coaches for instilling a strong work ethic, and he used that Iowa work ethic to win the U.S. trials in January. Zach’s goal is to win a gold medal. I look forward to watching Zach and all Americans compete in the Winter Olympics over the next few weeks. And we should all say, “Go Team USA!” -30-