Trailblazing speed skater Jackson embracing expectation for Milano Cortina

Erin Jackson is relishing the weight of expectation that comes with being an Olympic champion ahead of the Milano Cortina Games, nearly four years after making history as the first Black woman to win Winter Olympic gold in an individual sport.

The 33-year-old American has her sights set on defending her 500m speed skating title in Italy next year despite battling persistent injury issues that have required multiple surgeries since her Beijing triumph in 2022.

"I'm coming in as the reigning Olympic champion, and I feel like that brings a lot of pressure," Jackson told Reuters.

"But the pressure is what really drives me to kind of reach that next level. So I'm typically a very calm and relaxed person, but the pressure just helps me find that extra bit of energy. So I am really, really looking forward to it."

As the buildup to the Games gathers steam, Jackson delivered a statement performance at last month's U.S. Speed Skating Championships, claiming victory in the 500m and finishing second to three-times Olympian Brittany Bowe in the 1,000m.

MORALE BOOST AFTER MULTIPLE SURGERIES

The strong showing provided a morale boost following her struggles with injury.

A recurring back injury has haunted Jackson since 2019 and required multiple surgeries, while in March 2023 she underwent an operation to remove 16 non-cancerous fibroids from her uterus.

"I've been dealing with lower back injury for the past few years, especially this year, just having a bit more flare-ups," Jackson explained.

"So it was a really big confidence boost to have a good showing at our national championships this past weekend. It's given me a lot of confidence moving forward in the season."

Amid the setbacks, Jackson has remained resolute despite having to change her