This is the third story in a series about Speed Skater Erin Jackson, who will attempt to win a gold medal for the second time in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
Erin Jackson became the first Black woman to win a gold medal in an individual event at the Winter Olympics in Beijing in 2022. It almost did not happen.
Long track speedskating has a long and complicated path for a skater to reach the Olympics. A “if-then” article would be needed to go through the process that includes World Cup races and US Olympic qualifiers.
So let’s keep this simple: Jackson almost missed the 2022 Beijing Olympics when she fell during the US Olympic qualifier.
A Gesture From A Childhood Friend Puts Jackson in Olympics
The slip cost Jackson barely a second. In speedskating, a second costs a lot. At that time, at that moment, Jackson was not going to the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Here are the details: Soon after the slip, Brittany Bowe announced she gave her 500m spot to Jackson. Bowe and Jackson knew each other since they were kids, both growing up in Ocala, FL.
“I mean, in my heart there was never a question that I would do whatever it took, if it came down to me, to get Erin to skate the Olympics,” said Bowe. “No one is more deserving than her.”
“I’m beyond grateful and humbled. I’m happy,” said Jackson at the time. “I was kind of given this gift from a very close friend of mine.”
Three Chances for Gold is Much Better Than Two
At the time Bowe gave up her 500m spot, some skeptics could point and say it was an easy decision since she qualified for the 1500m and 1000m events. After all, what is the big deal about giving up one race when Bowe had two others?
At that time, at that moment, it was a big deal. At that time, Bowe never won a medal in an individual race. Obviously, you add to your odds if you are in three races, and not two. We really, really need to stick with this gesture… she gave up her Olympic spot in the 500m for her friend.
The Kids From Ocala Bring Back Gold And Bronze in 2022
Remember the adage: “it’s not the gift, it’s the thought that counts?”
Ok, so shortly after the gesture, it was just that, a gesture.
Once again, if you are interested in a thesis on how speedskaters qualify for the Olympics, google it after finishing this article. Because, after giving up her spot, Bowe actually did make the U.S. Olympic team in the 500m. A complicated qualifying system gave the U.S. Olympic team a third spot in the 500m. Therefore, Jackson would have made the Olympic team anyway.
Whew, maybe next time we forget about these minor details and stick with the point of the story:
Two kids from Ocala, FL grew up together and became stars in competitive inline skating. Bowe then made the leap to speedskating first, and is now a three-time Olympic veteran. Jackson does not touch the ice until 2016; does not start speed skating until 2017, then is so good she makes the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, becoming the first Black woman in the U.S. Olympic long track speed skating team
The gesture is the storyline heading into the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The story gets better as both Bowe and Jackson brought home a medal. Jackson won the gold in the 500m. Bowe won the bronze in the 1000m.
Jackson’s Biggest Cheerleader: Bowe
For the history making gold medal race, it made sense that Bowe was the biggest cheerleader for her friend Jackson, who she has known growing up in Florida.
“I think I kind of blacked out,” said Bowe. “I screamed so loud I almost passed out. I couldn’t be more proud to be her teammate and I’m just happy to be part of the puzzle.”
A true selfless part of the puzzle, regardless of the details.
Now the kids from Ocala will both go for more medals in a few months. Both are projected to be part of the U.S. Olympic team and participate in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. More details could be provided, but by now you get the idea: it takes a lot to get on the team. Let’s just say, as of right now, they are on track.
The Erin Jackson series:
