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The first Black woman to win a gold medal in an individual event for Team U.S.A. at the Winter Olympic Games… EVER.
On February 13th, 2022, Erin Jackson won her first Olympic gold medal in the Women’s 500-meter speed skating event.
The 29-year-old inline skater, roller derby player and now Olympic gold medalist from Ocala, FL has rewritten history as the first Black woman to ever win gold in speed skating. As if this athletic accomplishment on the world’s biggest stage wasn’t enough, Erin has also changed the appearance of what the Winter Olympics has looked like for many girls and young women of color around the world.
Cultivating an Olympic Winter Games event that normalizes the existing diversity of our planet by showcasing different genders, races, body shapes, and colors has been difficult; however, athletes like Erin Jackson have continued to break barriers and inspire future generations of athletes.
The modern Winter Olympic Games have been held since 1924 but, it was not until 1988 when we had our first Black athlete medal at the Winter Games (Debi Thomas/Figure Skating). Erin Jackson has become the most recent milestone in a long future for women of color at the Winter Olympic Games. Top Form Psychology is excited for our February TOP perFORMer of the month, Erin Jackson. Go Team USA!
Instagram: @speedyj
Twitter: @ErinJackson480
