Winter Olympics: Erin Jackson First Black Woman to Win Speed Skating Gold
Jackson finished her lap Sunday in 37.04 seconds. She was also the first woman to win a speed skating gold medal at the Olympics since1994.
02.14.22
(Dean Mouhtaropoulos via Getty Images)
Erin Jackson became the first African American woman to win the 500-meter speed skating gold medal during the Winter Olympics in Beijing. She finished her lap Sunday in 37.04 seconds. She was also the first woman to win a speed skating gold medal at the Olympics since1994.
“I cried immediately, it was just a big release of emotion. A lot of shock, a lot of relief and a lot of happiness. I haven’t fully processed everything quite yet, but it just feels amazing,” said Jackson.
The speed skater almost didn’t make it to the games after hitting roadblocks during the Olympic trials. But fellow skater Britney Bowe offered the Florida native her spot.
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