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Erin Jackson named 2026 Team USA flag bearer after historic Olympic gold
The Florida-born speedskater rose to the top of her sport in just four months after transitioning from inline skating.
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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Olympic speed skater Erin Jackson has made history at every turn. After growing up in Florida and attending college in Gainesville, Jackson quickly climbed up the speed skating ranks, making her Olympic debut in 2018. Since, she became the first Black woman to win a Winter Olympic gold medal in an individual sport, and for the 2026 Games in Milan Cortina, Jackson is the flag bearer for the United States.
Why it matters
Jackson's rapid rise from inline skating to Olympic gold medalist in just four months is a remarkable athletic achievement. Her historic accomplishments, including becoming the first Black woman to win individual gold at the Winter Olympics, have made her a trailblazer in the sport. Being named the 2026 Team USA flag bearer is another prestigious honor that recognizes Jackson's impact both on and off the ice.
The details
Before transitioning to the ice, the Florida native was a superstar in the world of inline skating and roller derby. Remarkably, she only began training on speed skates in 2017 — just months before qualifying for her first Olympic team in 2018. This showcased Jackson's elite athleticism that has made her one of the most dominant sprinters in the sport today. Her breakthrough on the global stage culminated at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she won gold in the 500m and became the first Black woman from any country to win an individual gold medal at a Winter Olympics.
- Jackson started speedskating in 2017 at the age of 25.
- She made her Olympic debut at the 2018 PyeongChang Games.
- Jackson won gold in the 500m at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
- She was named the flag bearer for Team USA at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.
The players
Erin Jackson
A 33-year-old speed skater from Ocala, Florida who became the first Black woman to win an individual gold medal in a Winter Olympics.
Brittany Bowe
Jackson's teammate who relinquished her own 500m spot at the 2022 U.S. Trials, allowing Jackson to compete and win gold.
What they’re saying
“Erin Jackson speaks about being the flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony during a press conference ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.”
— Erin Jackson (Getty Images Sport)
What’s next
Jackson will lead Team USA as the flag bearer during the 2026 Milan Cortina Opening Ceremony.
The takeaway
Jackson's remarkable journey from inline skating to Olympic gold medalist in just four months, coupled with her historic accomplishments as the first Black woman to win individual gold at the Winter Games, have cemented her status as a true trailblazer in the sport of speed skating.
