Erin Jackson made history for Team USA Sunday in a truly historic way, becoming the first Black woman to medal in speedskating in Olympic history.
She also happened to win the gold.
Japan's Miho Takagi secured silver with a time of 37.12 and the ROC's Angelina Golikova secured bronze with a time of 37.21. Brittany Bowe and Kimi Goetz were not far behind, with times of 38.04 and 38.25, respectively.
So who is Jackson, now a global sports icon? The 29-year-old went to the University of Florida, where she earned a degree in materials science and engineering and calls Ocala home.
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Beijing marks her second Olympics, though it's most certainly her career highlight. She placed 24th in the 500m, which she just won, in 2018 in PyeongChang.
Jackson only started speed skating in 2017, according to her Olympic bio. She had tried inline skating when she was 10, "inspired by all of the inlines who have come before her" and then made the transition to ice.
Fun facts about her: she can sleep anywhere, anytime, and ran track and field in high school. See her history-making skate at the 2022 Winter Olympics and learn more about her background below.
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Full Replay: Erin Jackson wins gold in 500m
See the full replay of the women's 500m competition.
Erin Jackson leads U.S. speed skating into Winter Olympics
Joey Cheek marvels at Brittany Bowe's remarkable gesture to give her spot on the United States Olympic speed skating team to Erin Jackson and their opportunity to still compete together in Beijing.
Erin Jackson: 'I just try to be a good example'
United States speed skater Erin Jackson discusses what it was like being at the Opening Ceremony, her friendship with Brittany Bowe and setting an example for young Black girls in a sport without much diversity.
Speed skater Erin Jackson: 'My hobby is going to school'
When she wasn't training to become one of the world's best speed skater just five years after first trying the sport, Erin Jackson made time for higher education—and has multiple degrees to show for it.
Meet the trailblazers of Team USA at the 2022 Winter Games
Winter Sports aren't known for being very diverse. But some Team USA trailblazers are out to change that. Lewis Hamilton looks back at some of the Black athletes who have made Olympics history.
