Erin Jackson is heading to the Beijing Olympics thanks to Brittany Bowe.
Bowe has given up her spot in the 500 meters, allowing Jackson – ranked No 1 in the world in the 500 – to make the US team, according to a report on USA Network. Jackson slipped in her race Friday in Milwaukee and finished third in the event she has dominated this season.
Bowe won the 500 and Kimi Goetz took second, putting them on the team. The rules didn’t allow for Jackson to have a re-skate – only a mechanical failure or a fall are reason for a do-over.
In November in Poland, the 29-year-old Jackson became the first Black woman to win a World Cup event. She won four of eight 500 races on the World Cup circuit, along with a second and third.
Bowe and Jackson are friends from the same hometown of Ocala, Florida.
Proud is an understatement. 💕
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) January 10, 2022
Thank you @BrittanyBowe and @ErinJackson480 for showing the true meaning of the Olympic spirit. #SpeedskatingTrials22 pic.twitter.com/AtCexDatWO
The 33-year-old Bowe had hinted of her decision on Saturday, saying: “Hopefully we get three spots when we get to the Olympics, but as of now, it seems that the only way Erin will get to compete in the Olympics is if one of us gives up that spot.
“I’m hopeful that internally we can figure that out and all three of us are in Beijing.”
Jackson will be making her second Olympic appearance, having finished 24th in the 500 in 2018, not long after she switched from online skating to the ice.
Three-time Olympian Bowe will compete in the 1,000 and 1,500 in Beijing.
