MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Paul Golomski has spent more than two decades perfecting the art of ice-making at Milwaukee's Pettit National Ice Center. Now, the Wisconsin ice expert is taking his skills to the world's biggest stage as an Ice Technician for the Milano Speed Skating Stadium at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
"Just to go over there for me and play a small part in the Olympic Games is a huge thrill for me," Golomski said.
The Milan venue presents unique challenges that set it apart from other Olympic speed skating tracks. Unlike permanent facilities, this will be the first indoor speed skating venue featuring a temporary track.
"When you watch it on TV, it looks like a speed skating stadium, but it's actually a temporary venue, and so the design and engineering that took place to make this a reality is really impressive to see in person," Golomski said.
Despite the temporary setup, creating world-class speed skating ice still comes down to three critical factors: ice temperature, air temperature, and humidity. The goal is to create a surface so smooth and cold that skate blades barely penetrate it.
Watch: Milwaukee's 'icemeister' returns to second Olympics as ice technician at Milano Speed Skating Stadium
"The temperature is so low that the blade doesn't really even penetrate the surface of the ice. They don't feel a lot of grip, but they feel a lot of glide," Golomski said. "In a perfect world, they're going as fast as they possibly can, setting personal bests, hitting records, Olympic records."
The ice-making process involves more than just freezing water. The team purifies water first, then blends minerals back in to achieve the perfect consistency before laying it on the track with a Zamboni.
"Our water is purified to ensure that we don't have a lot of minerals on the surface, causing friction. Anything that would impede glide from skates, the goal is to get athletes skating really fast," Golomski said.
If the water was only purified without mineral adjustment, it would be too brittle. Without purification, it would create too much friction on the surface.
Golomski will work under Milano Speed Skating Stadium Ice Master Mark Messer, who is leading the speed skating ice-making team in his seventh Olympic Games. This marks Golomski's second Olympics as an ice technician, following his work at the 2018 PyeongChang Games. His responsibilities will include maintaining the ice, ensuring it's ready for training and competition, checking ice temperatures, and making sure ice resurfacing equipment operates properly.
The team already proved its capabilities during a successful test event in November.
"We had a really successful test event with a junior World Cup there in November. And no doubt, I think we can deliver for the Olympic Games as well," Golomski said.
For Golomski, the opportunity extends beyond personal achievement. He hopes his work will help power potential hometown Olympic success in Jordan Stolz.
"To be able to witness Jordan, hopefully make history. It's an honor," Golomski said.
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