HBCU Legends

Erin Jackson Makes History!  Becomes First Black Woman to Win Speedskating Olympic Gold Medal

American speedskater becomes the first Black woman to win gold medal in speedskating.

Kyle T. Mosley

United States female speedskater Erin Jackson made history and won the gold medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Jackson blazed her way to the top of the podium in the 500 meters race with a time of 37.04 seconds. 

She became the first-ever Black female athlete to win a gold medal in speedskating and first American to win an individual speedskating medal since the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Erin Jackson, Gold Medalist in 500 meters
Credit: Kohjiro Kinno/Sports Illustrated

The achievement by Jackson is not her first one as a speedskater. She and Shani Davis (male) are the two Black athletes to win medals on the long-track speedskating events. Davis, 39, is the first Black athlete to win gold at a 2006 Winter Olympics in the 1000 meters and added a silver medal in the 1500 meters. Later in 2010, he would repeat as America's gold medalist in the 1000 meters and 1500 meters' silver medalist.

Jackson, 29, was considered the best in the world in the 500 meters. However, she missed qualifying for the event at the U.S. Olympic trials after stumbling to a third-place spot. Her speedskating teammate and friend Brittany Bowe sacrificed her place, believing Jackson gave the Americans the best chance at a gold medal.

Erin Jackson was followed by Japan's Miho Takagi (silver) and Russia's Angelina Golikova (bronze) in the 500 meters speedskating finals.

She began her career as an inline skater, and roller derby player.   Jackson qualified for the 500 meters long track speed skating event at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang but did not medal.

Jackson graduated from the University of Florida with honors with a degree in Materials Science & Engineering.

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Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

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