MILAN, Italy — As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, American speed skating sensation Erin Jackson has once again captured the spotlight. The reigning 500m Olympic champion was officially named a Team USA flag bearer, a prestigious honor that underscores her status as one of the most influential figures in winter sports today.
Jackson, 33, made history at the 2022 Beijing Games by becoming the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Olympic gold medal. Now, as she prepares for the Milan Cortina 2026 Games, the Ocala, Florida native is focused on defending her title and continuing her remarkable transition from the world of inline skating to the ice.
A Trailblazing Journey from Wheels to Ice
Born on September 19, 1992, Jackson’s path to Olympic glory was unconventional. She spent the majority of her youth as an elite inline speed skater and roller derby player. It wasn’t until 2017 that she first laced up a pair of ice skates. In a feat of natural athleticism, she qualified for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics just four months after beginning her transition to the ice.
By the 2022 Beijing Games, Jackson had become the top-ranked 500m skater in the world. Her victory in the 500m event, with a blistering time of 37.04 seconds, cemented her place in the history books and inspired a new generation of diverse athletes to pursue winter sports.
Key Achievements and Career Highlights
- Olympic Gold Medalist: Won the Women’s 500m at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.
- Historic Milestone: First Black woman to win an individual gold medal in Winter Olympic history.
- World Cup Dominance: Multiple-time World Cup gold medalist and the first Black woman to win a speed skating World Cup event.
- Team USA Flag Bearer: Selected to lead the American delegation for the 2026 Winter Games.
- Multi-Sport Athlete: Accomplished silver medalist in the Pan American Games for inline speed skating.
The Road to Milan Cortina 2026
Heading into the 2026 Games, Jackson remains a dominant force on the International Skating Union (ISU) circuit. Recent reports indicate she has successfully qualified for multiple disciplines, showcasing her evolving versatility on the long track. Her preparation has been marked by a rigorous training regimen in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she has resided as a student and athlete.
Beyond the podium, Jackson continues to advocate for diversity in skating. “I don’t want to be the only one,” Jackson has stated in recent interviews, emphasizing her desire to see more representation in speed skating. As she prepares to carry the American flag during the Opening Ceremony, Jackson stands not just as a champion, but as a symbol of perseverance and the “Ocala pipeline” of talent that continues to produce world-class skaters.
Fans can expect Jackson to be a primary medal contender in the 500m sprint, where her explosive start and technical precision remain the gold standard in the sport.