As everyone had expected, Jordan Stolz (USA) started his Olympic campaign with gold in the 1000m, but Jenning de Boo (NED) gave him a run for his money. In a head-to-head battle, the Dutchman had a 0.37s advantage at the 600m split, but Stolz countered with a spectacular final lap to finish in a new Olympic Record of 1 minute and 6.28s.

De Boo took silver in 1:06.78, while Ning Zhongyan (CHN) seized bronze after an eventful evening at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium on Wednesday.

Two arms down

Having won the last 14 1000m World Cup races he skated, Stolz was the man to beat in Milan. 

De Boo knew that the only way to beat his American nemesis was to take a gap at the start and hope for a good draft at the first back-stretch to build enough of a lead to stay out of sight on the second back-stretch.

De Boo's execution was sheer perfection. Except for a little misstep at the start, he took the lead, got the draft and built a gap. But Stolz didn't even blink an eye. He followed suit and kept his famous jet engine in reserve for the final lap, only to ignite the afterburners on the final back-stretch. 

Going into the last inner turn, Stolz was back in striking distance; however, coming out of the turn, he was in front.

Jenning de Boo claimed the silver medal on Wednesday in Milan © Getty Images

"I was hoping to be pretty even with him at the 600m and then get him in the last lap, and he was ahead at the 600m, so I was a little worried that he could possibly win, and I didn’t want to let that happen,” Stolz said.

"I threw two arms down, attacked as hard as I could. I was able to reel him back in in the last corner. I could feel myself going past him."

The American phenomenon was the only skater in the field of 30 to post a sub-26-second final lap (25.66).

When he crossed the line 0.50s ahead of De Boo, Stolz was satisfied - even though he had to wait a little longer before he was sure of his first Olympic title.

"I was pretty excited with the time. It was 1.06.28, so I didn't think that time was going to get beaten."

After winning the 1000m gold, Stolz says he is eager for more. He also competes in the 500m, 1500m and Mass Start."To have four… that'd be super huge. I think it would be second to Eric Heiden, and that would be something that's crazy, super historical.

"I don't know if it's going to happen. It's hard enough just to get one gold medal, but one is huge for me."

De Boo almost lost his skates 

De Boo was happy he could skate at all, having almost lost his skates when he left them in a transport van from the oval to the athletes' village after a short morning session. 

Jenning de Boo temporarily lost his skates ahead of Wednesday's final © Getty Images

"There was a little bit of panic among the staff and me, but luckily enough, they found them back," De Boo said.

The panic had not affected De Boo's performance. He laughed in front of the gathered Dutch journalists: "As you all know, it's sometimes a bit chaotic with me, but all's well that ends well."

After the race, De Boo was happy with his execution.

"I just had to be far ahead after 600m, easily making pace on the straights and attack in the corners, but that last turn I could hardly attack anymore because it all went black before my eyes,” he said.

"And then he's able to attack once more, and that's how he wins it."

The fact that he was in front of Stolz after 600m gave De Boo a boost ahead of the 500m on Saturday.

Kjeld Nuis (NED), who finished sixth, said: "If you can be ahead after 600m, you can also be ahead after 500m, right?"

Klejd Nuis (NED) finished sixth in Milan on Wednesday © Getty Images

De Boo laughed when he heard the quote and said: "Kjeld says a lot, I know that there are a lot of fast men.

"I hope I get to race against him (Stolz) again, and we'll see. It's going to be very tight, and I hope to make it a great battle.

Bronze redemption for Ning

Ning Zhongyan (CHN) took bronze in 1:07.34 at 0.56s from De Boo and .07s ahead of fourth-ranked Damian Zurek (POL).

The Chinese sprinter found redemption, having not won a medal at his home Games in Beijing four years ago.

Ning Zhongyan secured a bronze medal in the 1000m race © Getty Images

“This bronze medal means a lot to me,” he said. “At the Beijing Olympic Winter Games, I carried a lot of pressure and did not perform to my true level. 

"So to win this bronze medal today shows that my efforts over the past four years were not in vain. It is a perfect answer for myself.”

After all 15 pairings had finished, the top three skaters had to wait before they were sure of their medal, as Joep Wennemars (NED) was granted a re-skate. 

The Dutchman had been on course for a top time when his pair-mate Lian Ziwen (CHN) didn't give way at the second back-stretch, blocking the Dutchman. Wennemars had to hold back to cross behind his opponent and lost precious time.

Finishing fifth at 0.24s from the bronze medal, Wennemars felt that he could have won a medal. 

Joep Wennemars (NED) was granted a re-skate on Wednesday © Getty Images

"I'm devastated," he said. "This was a medal, 100 per cent. 

"The Chinese team came up to me to apologize, but that doesn't buy me anything."

In his re-skate half an hour after his first run, Wennemars was not rested enough to skate at the same level as he had done before.

"You hope something magical happens," he said. "It was nice to hear that the crowd supported me, but it was just impossible."