• WomELLE
  • Contact Us
  • Writers
  • Write For Us
  • Submit Article
No Result
View All Result

No products in the cart.

  • Login
WomLEAD Magazine
Podcast
SUBSCRIBE
  • Home
  • Magazine
  • Business
  • HER Story
  • Founders & CEOs
  • Leadership
  • Mentoring
  • Women
  • Wellness
  • Home
  • Magazine
  • Business
  • HER Story
  • Founders & CEOs
  • Leadership
  • Mentoring
  • Women
  • Wellness
No Result
View All Result
WomLEAD Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home Women Today
Erin Jackson First American Black to Win Gold at Winter Olympic Speedskating

Erin Jackson First Black American to Win Gold at Winter Olympic Speedskating

The Editorial Team by The Editorial Team
February 22, 2022
in Women Today
Reading Time: 3 mins read

Erin Jackson became the only Black woman to win a gold medal in the Pyeongyang Winter Olympic Games in Beijing speed skating event, earlier this month. Jackson had almost missed competing in the 500m at the Olympics after she had slipped during qualifying trials. However, the dreams of the 29-year-old world No. 1 were realized after her teammate and friend Brittany Bowe gave up her position to enable Jackson to go to Beijing. 

At the time, Jackson praised Bowe, calling her an “amazing friend, teammate, and mentor.” This is an act I’ll never forget,” she wrote. “You can bet I’ll be the loudest voice in the oval cheering for her in the 1000 and 1500 next month.” 

According to NBC News, Jackson, a former inline skater, had crossed the ice just prior to the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. Now, Jackson, a native of balmy Ocala, Florida, has joined fellow American Shani Davis as the only two Black athletes to win speedskating medals at the Olympics.  Jackson’s win is significant because she is reportedly the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in speed skating since 2002 and also the first American woman who won a 500-meter Olympic gold since 1994. 

Jackson skated to the gold in 37.04, 0.08 seconds in front of Japan’s Miho Takagi (37.12) and 0.17 seconds ahead of the Russian Olympic Committee’s Angelina Golikova (37.21). As soon as her skates crossed the line, Jackson’s head turned toward the scoreboard. She broke into a big smile when she saw the “1” beside her name. Her coach, Ryan Shimabukuro, pumped his arms and slapped her hands as she glided by. While one pairing was still left, Jackson knew she could do no worse than bronze. 

After her stunning victory, Jackson said that she hopes the milestone she reached as the first Black woman to earn an Olympic speedskating medal is “just a stepping stone” for more athletes to come. “It would be awesome if I wasn’t the first, but I’ll do my best to be a good example.” 

ADVERTISEMENT

From an amateur to Olympian, Jackson grabbed national headlines when she qualified for the 2018 Winter Olympics just four months after first taking up speedskating. She created history then too by earning third place in the 500-meter race at the U.S. Olympic Speed Skating Trial, the first Black woman to secure a spot on the long-track team.  

During the current World Cup season, Jackson suddenly emerged as one of the world’s best sprinters. She won four of eight 500 races – the first Black woman to earn one of those titles, as well – and came to the Olympics as one the favorites. She lived up to the billing in Beijing, becoming the first American woman to win an individual Olympic medal since 2002. 

Jackson is a 10-time world-champion inline skater and is a former roller derby player competing with the New Jax City Rollers, who switched to ice in February 2017. The Florida native also earned a graduate degree in materials science engineering from the University of Florida. She hopes to return back to school to pursue her master’s degree. 

Tags: Black History MonthErin JacksonWinter Olympic Speedskating
Share36Tweet22Share6
The Editorial Team

The Editorial Team

Hi there, we are the editorial team for WomELLE to help you succeed in business. WomELLE is a community working to support women by helping them achieve their business goals through specialty services, leadership, mentoring, and networking. The magazine "WomLEAD" is to help you succeed as an entrepreneur, business owner and leader.

Related Posts

Leading Women in Technology in 2022
Women Today

Leading Women in Technology in 2022

March 22, 2023
America’s 10 Most Successful Businesswomen
Women Today

America’s 10 Most Successful Businesswomen

March 20, 2023
Why Men Should Support Sisterhood for Women?
Women Today

Why Men Should Support Sisterhood for Women?

March 17, 2023
Next Post
Black Women Quit Jobs to Start Own Businesses

Black Women Quit Jobs to Start Own Businesses

Black Women Comprise Fewer Than 2% of Federal Judges Appointed So Far

Black Women Comprise Fewer Than 2% of Federal Judges Appointed So Far

Most Black Americans Know About US Black History from Family & Friends

Most Black Americans Know About US Black History from Family & Friends

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

WomLEAD Magazine

A print and digital magazine for businesswomen focusing on leadership, business, and entrepreneurship that made its debut in 2017 has WomELLE Magazine.

Follow us on social media:

Recent News

  • 5 Lessons on Starting a Business After the Pandemic
  • Leading Women in Technology in 2022
  • Traditional Dieting Out, Health Coaching In: Stella Loichot Approach to Weight Loss Without Traditional Dieting

Category

  • Business
  • Female Founders
  • Founders & CEOs
  • HER Story
  • Leadership
  • Mentoring For Women
  • Wellness
  • Women Today

Recent News

5 Lessons on Starting a Business After the Pandemic

5 Lessons on Starting a Business After the Pandemic

March 23, 2023
Leading Women in Technology in 2022

Leading Women in Technology in 2022

March 22, 2023
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

© 2023 WomLEAD Magazine from WomELLE, Corp.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Magazine
  • Podcast
  • Business
  • Founders & CEOs
  • HER Story
  • Leadership
  • Mentoring
  • Wellness
  • Women Today

© 2023 WomLEAD Magazine from WomELLE, Corp.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?