Erin Jackson favored to end US speedskating drought in China
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By BETH HARRIS
AP Sports Writer
BEIJING (AP) — Erin Jackson shocked herself by making the U.S. Olympic speedskating team four years ago. She’d only been on the ice four months. Now she’s the favorite to win the 500 meters in Beijing. The former inline and roller derby skater from sunny Florida has made huge strides since 2018. Jackson is the first Black woman to win a World Cup race. She dominated this season by winning four of the eight races and medaling in two others. Jackson slipped at the U.S. trials and finished third but Brittany Bowe gave up her spot in the 500 to Jackson and says her friend is at the top of her game and will show the world in Beijing.