Erin Jackson has become the first Black woman to win a speedskating medal at the Winter Olympics. A gold one. Jackson won the 500 meters with a time of 37.04 seconds to give the American speedskating program its first speedskating medal of the Beijing Games and first individual medal since 2010. However, she almost didn't make it to the 2022 Winter Games after a slip during qualifying trials cost Jackson a place on the team. But the 29-year-old got some welcome news when the winner of the event, Brittany Bowe, gave up her spot, allowing Jackson to make the team. As it turned out, the Americans received a third slot in the 500 when the final allocations were made, so Bowe got to skate as well. She finished 16th. The two close friends embraced after Jackson clinched the gold."She hugged me and we cried," the winner said. "She said she’s really proud of me and I said a lot of thank yous."The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Erin Jackson has become the first Black woman to win a speedskating medal at the Winter Olympics. A gold one.
Jackson won the 500 meters with a time of 37.04 seconds to give the American speedskating program its first speedskating medal of the Beijing Games and first individual medal since 2010.
However, she almost didn't make it to the 2022 Winter Games after a slip during qualifying trials cost Jackson a place on the team.
But the 29-year-old got some welcome news when the winner of the event, Brittany Bowe, gave up her spot, allowing Jackson to make the team.
As it turned out, the Americans received a third slot in the 500 when the final allocations were made, so Bowe got to skate as well. She finished 16th.
The two close friends embraced after Jackson clinched the gold.
"She hugged me and we cried," the winner said. "She said she’s really proud of me and I said a lot of thank yous."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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