Erin Jackson: The Team USA speed skater made for the big stage

Erin Jackson was destined for the big stage and to do big things.

The 29-year-old from Ocala, Florida became the first American woman since Bonnie Blair in 1994 to medal in the 500m iwhen she claimed the gold medal in speed skating on Sunday with a time of 37.04 seconds, edging out Japan’s Takagi Miho (37.12) and ROC's Angelina Golikova (37.21).

What's remarkable is that Jackson, who picked up speed skating just under five years ago, nearly didn't even make it to Beijing.

"It’s like a dream come true. I wouldn’t have predicted this even a year ago. I still feel kind of new in the sport and I’m just really grateful it turned out this way. I hope I have a longer future. I just tried to turn everything off and have an automatic race.

MORE: Olympic speed skating at Beijing 2022: Top five things to know

A mishap during the USA Olympic Trials meant that she placed third and, despite being the World Cup leader at the time, would miss out on a spot at the Olympic Games. Until team-mate Brittany Bowe stepped in.

Bowe had won the race at trials but decided to forfeit her spot to allow Jackson to race at Beijing 2022.

"I won the tournament but I know very well how I stand in the world ranking," Bowe said. "Erin’s ranked No. 1 in the world and now she’s an Olympic champion. It was the right thing to do.

"So proud of her, I want this moment to be about her and just enjoy it. That's exactly what I told her."

MORE: Erin Jackson's gold-medal story, co-written by Brittany Bowe, is "unbelievable"

Jackson became the first Black female to win an individual gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

"Hopefully it has an effect,” Jackson said, “and we can see more minorities, especially in the USA, getting out and trying some of these winter sports.