Local speed skater Erin Jackson will be bringing a gold medal back to Ocala after winning her sole event at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing.
On Sunday morning, Jackson won the women’s 500-meter speed skating event with a time of 37.04.
Jackson became the first American to win the event since 1994 and the first black American woman to win an Olympic speed skating medal.
A costly slip during the women’s 500-meter qualifying race last month nearly kept Jackson from making the trip to Beijing. Thanks to the generosity of teammate and fellow Ocalan Brittany Bowe, Jackson was added to the Olympic roster when Bowe relinquished her spot.
Bowe rejoined the 500-meter roster as a last-minute addition, and she finished the event exactly one second behind Jackson (38.04) for a 16th place finish.
To view a complete schedule of upcoming events, along with results, visit the 2022 Olympic Winter Games website.