After her triumph at the 2022 Beijing Olympics—where she made history as the first Black woman to secure an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics—Erin Jackson recognized the imperative to leverage every opportunity presented to her. Such chances often diminish rapidly, even for top-tier athletes. Public speaking engagements, both at corporations and educational institutions, provided a consistent income stream. She even had the chance to fly with the . “I was genuinely focused on making the most of that period,” stated Jackson, 33, during an interview in late October at the Team USA Media Summit in New York City.
Among her most surreal experiences was attending the Vanity Fair Oscar party on the evening that was broadcast live to nearly 17 million viewers. When Smith arrived at the Vanity Fair event post-ceremony, his bodyguard recognized Jackson and requested a photograph with her. Jackson agreed, then asked the bodyguard if he could arrange for her to get a picture with Smith, as she had long admired him.
Regarding the incident, Jackson remarked, “I honestly didn’t know what to make of it. I wasn’t planning on bringing it up. I simply wanted a photo.” Her objective was achieved.
Jackson has secured another chance for memorable encounters with celebrities. Despite recently contending with back and hamstring injuries, she successfully qualified for the Milano Cortina Olympics, clinching victories in both the 500-m and 1,000-m races at the U.S. Olympic trials in January (Jackson had already secured her spot in the 500 m due to strong performances in international competitions). In November, she established a new national record in the 500 m, completing the race in 36.57 seconds—surpassing her previous best by .2 seconds; she is anticipated to compete against of the Netherlands for gold in Milan. Several prominent sponsors—including Eli Lilly, Coca-Cola, and Comcast—are backing Jackson’s journey to her third Olympics, acknowledging her distinguished career, unique entry into the sport, and promising future prospects beyond the Games.
Jackson spent her childhood roller-skating in Ocala, Fla., at a venue named Skate Mania, a place evocative of pizza parties, fruit punch, and first dates. Around the age of 10, she transitioned to inline skating, competing in the sport throughout her college years, accumulating a dozen world-championship medals and 47 national titles. The U.S. Olympic committee honored Jackson as athlete of the year for roller sports on three occasions (2012, 2013, 2015). She graduated cum laude from the University of Florida in 2015, earning a degree in materials science and engineering. During this period, she even , a physically demanding sport on wheels, playing for the Jacksonville RollerGirls.
“Growing up, I considered myself more of an academic than an athlete,” Jackson shared. “I never aspired to be a star athlete. I didn’t dream of participating in the Olympics. My entire focus was on my studies.”
Then, in late 2016, while socializing with friends in the Netherlands, Jackson stepped onto ice for the very first time. The moment was captured, and although she didn’t fall completely, Jackson’s initial attempt clearly showed her inexperience. “The blades felt incredibly strange to me,” she recalled. “The team at U.S. Speedskating in Salt Lake City saw that video and thought, ‘This looks rough. Why don’t you come out, and we can teach you properly?’”
She traveled to Utah in March 2017 for approximately a month to test her abilities on ice. She adapted well enough that by the fall, she relocated to Salt Lake City to pursue full-time training. Jackson initially harbored concerns about moving to an area with a relatively small Black population (2% to 3%). However, she knew enough individuals from her inline-skating days—including fellow Ocala natives and—to feel welcomed. She also appreciates the scenic mountain views.
“One minor challenge of living in Salt Lake City is finding someone to do my hair, as there aren’t many specialists,” Jackson explained. “But I’ve been fortunate to find one lady who has been incredibly helpful. I’m lucky to have her.”
It took her merely four months to qualify for her inaugural Olympics. She surprised herself by . “I had no expectation of making that team,” she stated. “I hadn’t even informed my father I was attending the Olympic trials. He only learned about it when I called him to say, ‘So, I’m going to the Olympics. Would you like to come?’”
At the 2022 trials, she was considered the top contender in the 500 m. However, she slipped and finished third, which meant she wouldn’t make the team. Brittany Bowe, who won the 500-m race, approached her that day. “She simply expressed her sympathy for me and said if there was anything she could do to get me to the Olympics, she would,” Jackson recounted. Bowe, who still holds the world record in the 1,000 m and also qualified in the 1,500 m for Beijing, , ensuring Jackson would compete at the Olympics. “It was an incredibly emotional moment,” Jackson said. “Because it’s difficult to imagine someone making such a sacrifice for you.” Jackson went on to win gold in China, while Bowe secured bronze in the 1,000 m. In Milan, both athletes are set to compete in the 1000 m.
While achieving success on the ice, Jackson has simultaneously advanced her education. She earned an associate’s degree in computer science from Salt Lake Community College and is currently pursuing degrees in business and kinesiology from the same institution. By integrating these academic pursuits with her engineering degree from Florida, Jackson aims to enter the field of biomechanics. Her interactions with Paralympic athletes have sparked a particular interest in prosthetics. “I believe that with technology, we can achieve so much more to help them feel more comfortable and perform more powerfully in their sports,” Jackson commented. “I would love to contribute to that endeavor.”
For the present, her focus remains on her own athletic journey. “There’s significantly more pressure now, coming in as the reigning champion,” Jackson acknowledged. “But pressure is precisely what I need. It’s something I thrive on. I hope people anticipate another gold medal from me. I require that pressure to propel me to greater heights.”
