Two American speed skaters, Brittany Bowe and Erin Jackson, finished just off the podium in the women’s 1000-meter race at the recent Olympics, but their reflections center not on missed medals, but on personal bests and the deeper meaning of competition. Both athletes expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to compete at this level, with family present, and for the growth they’ve experienced throughout their careers.
Jackson’s Strongest Race Yet
Erin Jackson, 33, skated her second-fastest 1000-meter time ever, marking a significant improvement from previous Olympics where she didn’t even compete in this event. While a medal would have been welcome, Jackson described herself as “super stoked” with the performance. She emphasized the respect she has for the distance and her dedication to improving, acknowledging that this race was a major step forward. Her next focus is recovery before returning to training.
Bowe’s Final Olympic Season
Brittany Bowe, 37, the 1000-meter world record holder, finished fourth – a notoriously difficult position in the Olympics. Despite the near miss, Bowe highlighted the honor of competing against elite athletes. She found this experience more emotionally fulfilling than her previous medal wins, particularly with her family in the stands after they were absent at the 2022 Beijing Games. Bowe, who has announced this will be her last Olympics, expressed pride in the woman the sport has helped her become.
The presence of loved ones clearly amplified the significance of this race for Bowe, who previously found winning without them in the stands to be “quite empty.” This underscores how personal connections can elevate athletic achievements beyond mere performance.
A Decades-Long Friendship
The bond between Bowe and Jackson runs deep, dating back to their childhood days at a roller rink in Florida. Their friendship was famously solidified when Bowe selflessly gave up her spot in the 500-meter race at the 2022 Olympic Trials to allow Jackson to compete. This gesture speaks to a mutual respect that transcends competition.
This act is significant because it demonstrates a level of sportsmanship rarely seen in elite competition, where athletes often prioritize personal advancement.
Bowe remains optimistic about Jackson’s future, predicting she will contend for a medal in the 1000-meter event at future Games. Bowe herself will continue competing in the 1500-meter and Team Pursuit, her favorite event, seeking the unique joy that comes with collective achievement.
“While it’s amazing to be out there and race by yourself, win, lose, or draw, no one’s feeling the same emotions that you’re feeling [as part of a team].”
Ultimately, these skaters’ reflections transcend mere results. They emphasize gratitude, personal growth, and the enduring power of human connection in the pursuit of athletic excellence.
