Erin Jackson made history at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing by winning gold in the women’s 500-meter speedskating event. This milestone victory made her the first Black woman to win an Olympic medal in speedskating, inspiring countless individuals worldwide.
The Florida native achieved this feat with a blistering time of 37.04 seconds, narrowly defeating Japan’s Miho Takagi by just 0.08 seconds. “I came here to win,” Jackson stated confidently. Her triumph was a landmark moment, marking the first individual speedskating medal for the United States since 2010 and the first victory in the women’s 500 meters since 1994.
Breaking Barriers in Winter Sports
Jackson’s victory was more than an individual achievement—it shattered stereotypes in a sport historically lacking diversity. Alongside Shani Davis, a trailblazer with two Olympic golds, Jackson joins an exclusive group of Black athletes excelling in long-track speedskating.
“I hope this inspires more people to try winter sports,” Jackson said after her win. Her longtime coach, Renee Hildebrand, also expressed hope for increased diversity. “She’s an amazing role model. Kids who look like her can now see themselves excelling in skating,” Hildebrand noted.
Even Hollywood celebrated the moment. Viola Davis tweeted her congratulations, calling Jackson a “superior athlete.” Her groundbreaking win has sparked fresh conversations about representation and inclusivity in sports.
Overcoming Setbacks to Achieve Greatness
Jackson’s journey to Beijing wasn’t without challenges. During the U.S. Olympic trials, a slip caused her to finish third, jeopardizing her spot on the team. In a heartwarming show of sportsmanship, teammate Brittany Bowe gave up her spot in the 500 meters to ensure Jackson could compete.
“I’ll be forever grateful for her sacrifice,” Jackson said, tears of gratitude streaming down her face after her gold-medal performance. Ultimately, a third spot opened for the U.S., allowing Bowe to compete as well, where she placed 16th. The two friends shared an emotional embrace after the race.
A Journey of Dedication and Perseverance
Jackson’s rise to Olympic stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. She transitioned from inline skating to ice just months before the 2018 Winter Olympics, where she finished 24th. With an engineering degree from the University of Florida and unmatched determination, she honed her skills to become one of the best in the world.
Her breakthrough came during the 2021–2022 World Cup season, where she won four of eight 500-meter races. “Winning that first World Cup was surreal. Then I kept winning, and it felt like a dream,” Jackson shared.
An Inspiration for the Future
Carrying the American flag during her victory lap at the Ice Ribbon oval in Beijing, Jackson’s joy was infectious. “It’s been a wild ride,” she said, reflecting on her journey.
Coach Ryan Shimabukuro praised her hard work and focus. “She showed the world why she deserved to be here,” he said.
