Erin Jackson, known as the fastest women’s speed skater in the 500m event, faced a setback in her bid for this year’s Winter Olympics when she slipped during the US trials and finished third.
Despite winning four out of eight races in the World Cup this season, the 29-year-old sought permission for a second chance at the trials. However, officials denied her request, citing that although she slipped during the race, she did not fall. The incident took place during the second straightaway of her renowned 500m sprint. It seemed like one of her skates grazed her other foot, causing a slight skid before she regained control and completed the race in 38.25 seconds.
As the final selections loomed, Jackson’s prospects seemed promising until Kimi Goetz secured second place with a time of 37.86, and Brittany Bowe claimed first place with 37.81. Bowe and Goetz had previously clinched the top two spots in the 1,000m race. Since the US team had earned two entries for the women’s 500m speed skating event, Jackson unfortunately did not make the cut.
Her only hope of competing in the Winter Olympics would be if one of the two chosen athletes voluntarily opted to step down in her favor.
