Erin Jackson: A Trailblazing Speedskater Making History and Inspiring the Future
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Erin Jackson, the Olympic gold medal-winning speedskater, has etched her name in the annals of history as the first Black woman to claim Winter Olympic gold. Yet, surprisingly, this momentous achievement came as a revelation to her.
"I didn’t realize it until I saw it in a headline," Jackson said in disbelief. "In the history of the Winter Olympics, I thought there had to have been plenty of other people. So it was pretty interesting to hear that."
Despite the lack of representation in her sport, Jackson’s triumph serves as a beacon of inspiration, paving the way for countless others who may have been previously discouraged from pursuing winter sports.
"Hopefully we’ll have a second and a third and a fourth coming pretty quickly," she exclaimed.
Jackson’s journey to the pinnacle of speedskating began in inline skating, where she amassed numerous national titles and world championship medals. However, her transition to speedskating presented a unique set of challenges that tested her limits.
"I hate time trials and I hate being cold," laughed the Florida native. "Now all I do is time trials in the cold, which I find kind of funny. But I’m having a blast."
Undeterred, Jackson embraced the challenges and meticulously analyzed the technical differences between inline and speedskating, determined to master the nuances of her new sport.
"I just learned about humbling myself," said Jackson. "Coming from the top of one sport and starting over with a new sport, it was a really big challenge. But I really welcomed the challenge and it was just really exciting to be able to try to figure out a new sport."
With unwavering dedication, Jackson’s progress accelerated, and within four months of taking up speedskating, she qualified for the Pyeongchang Olympics. By the time Beijing 2022 rolled around, she had ascended to the world number one ranking in the 500 meters.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in materials science engineering. Her analytical mindset played a crucial role in her ability to decipher the intricacies of speedskating.
"I guess it happened relatively quickly, but for me it seemed like it took forever," Jackson reflected. "And it seems like I’m still learning and growing every time I step out there."
Entering the current season, Jackson, now 32, ranked number one in the world in the 500 meters once again. Despite an early-season injury, she has maintained a consistent performance, winning the 500-meter title at the Four Continents Championships and securing a World Cup victory.
"I’m really focusing on playing it safe. Getting through this season and then being able to really rehab everything and come out next year strong," Jackson explained. "Because next year is the real deal. So this year, yeah, definitely just trying to keep everything happy and trying not to get too old, too fast."
Jackson’s impact extends far beyond her personal achievements. As a trailblazing Black athlete in a predominantly white sport, she serves as a role model for girls and young women of color.
"It’s really cool to read the messages from the moms, saying, ‘Oh my daughter saw you skating and now she wants to try it,’" Jackson said. "It’s a really special feeling."
Jackson’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire countless others to pursue their dreams, regardless of obstacles or societal norms. By being the first, she has ensured that she will not be the last.
