Ones to Watch: Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe

BEIJING, China — Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe aren’t just two U.S. speedskaters you’ll want to watch in Beijing. They’re two you’ll want to root for a little extra. That’s because Bowe gave us her spot in one race so Jackson could compete.

Jackson is the first Black woman to win a World Cup and was one of the favorites in the 500 meters at the U.S. Olympic Trials, but she slipped and didn’t qualify.

Teammate Brittany Bowe did qualify and gave up her spot in that race to Jackson, saying she didn’t want to be at the Games without Jackson.

They’re from the same hometown in Florida.

“I guess I watched figure skating a lot when I was a kid,” Jackson said. “But even when I was a figure skater, I just loved going fast, so when I switched over to inline speed skating, I was like Ok, this is where I want to be.”

Bowe will compete in the 1,000 and 1,500 meters in Beijing, which are her better events. She’s a three-time Olympian.

Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics: Erin Jackson Olympic speed skater Erin Jackson spends most of her life skating around ovals, but with three college degrees, she has spent a lot of time just sitting!

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