Erin Jackson, the talented U.S. speed skater who captured gold at the 2022 Winter Olympics, is set to continue her Olympic journey as she competes in the women’s 1,000 meters at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The event is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. ET on February 9 at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, with coverage available on Peacock.
Alongside Jackson, her U.S. teammate Brittany Bowe will also be competing. Bowe, a seasoned athlete and world record holder in the 1,000 meters, has secured two Olympic bronze medals—a testament to her prowess—and currently ranks third in the world standings. Jackson, now 33, holds the 10th position in the rankings but notably triumphed over Bowe during the U.S. Olympic Trials, boosting her momentum heading into the event.
At the 2022 Games in Beijing, Jackson made history by becoming the first Black American woman to win an Olympic gold in an individual event when she claimed victory in the women’s 500m. She will seek to defend her title in that event on February 15.
In early heats, Jackson made a strong showing, taking the lead in her pairing with a time of 1:15.00, edging out Suzanne Schulting from the Netherlands. However, her lead was short-lived as Femke Kok also from the Netherlands later set an Olympic record with a time of 1:12.59, moving Jackson to third place after Bowe secured the second position.
The atmosphere at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium is vibrant with Dutch fans dressed in orange, a color that symbolizes their royal heritage. This enthusiasm was palpable as the competition unfolded, particularly with the performance of Dutch skaters like Schulting and Kok.
Among the notable spectators is Allyson Felix, a retired American track star with an impressive collection of 11 Olympic medals, including seven golds.
Erin Jackson’s journey to the Olympics is unique, having originally started as an inline skater and even trying her hand at roller derby until 2023. She expressed a desire to return to roller derby in the future but chose to prioritize her health and focus on speed skating for now. Notably, she served as one of Team USA’s flag bearers during the opening ceremony, marking a significant moment in her Olympic career.
Fans can catch Jackson’s performance and all Olympic events live through NBC’s coverage, including streaming on Peacock. As the competition progresses, the excitement builds, and hopes are high for Jackson as she aims to enhance her medal tally at these Winter Games.