WATCH: Erin Jackson becomes first Black woman to win Olympic gold in speedskating
Erin Jackson's friend and team mate Brittany Bowe, gave up her spot on the US Olympic speed skating team. She understood the assignment. Jackson, 29 won the gold medal in the 500 m skating race at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Going in the games the Ocala, FL native was ranked the fastest woman in the world on ice, but fell during a qualifying round. With this victory Jackson made history as the first African American woman to win in this category and broke a 20 year drought for Team USA in the sport. Bowe was also able to compete, having qualified in several categories. Watch Jackson fly past her Polish opponent below.