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Florida native Erin Jackson made history on Sunday as she finished her lap in 37.04 seconds, securing gold in the 500-meter speed skating event at the Beijing Games. The win made Jackson the first African American in her sport to win gold, and the first American to do so since 1994.

29-year-old Jackson is the world’s top 500-meter skater. At age 10, she started as an inline skater, but because there is no Olympic competition for roller derby, she made the switch to speed skating in 2017.

Upon learning that she won gold after crossing the finish line, Jackson was overcome with emotion.

Jackson became the first Black American woman to win the World Cup Title for speed skating back in November.

What makes this story even more amazing is that Jackson technically did not qualify for the 2022 Olympics. A stumble cause Jackson to earn third place during the trials, and only the top two racers are qualified for the Games.

Brittany Bowe, who finished first in the trials, gave Jackson her spot out of “the spirit of the Olympics.” Bowe figured her best chances at medaling would be in the 1000m and 1500m and said that Jackson “earned the right” to compete in the Olympics.

“Sure, I had a really great session,” Jackson said. “But when it came to crunch time, I made a mistake. I am very fortunate that she is a very selfless person and she would do something like this for me.”

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Erin Jackson (@speedyj)