Erin Jackson, the American speed skater and Olympic gold medalist, did not reach the podium at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, according to posts on her social media accounts shared January 25, 2026. The 33-year-classic, who is similarly an Omega ambassador, is competing in her third Olympic Games.
Jackson’s participation in the Games marks a significant moment in American sporting history, as she was the first Black woman to win a Winter Olympic gold medal in an individual sport, achieving this feat in the 500m event at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. She is also the first Black American woman to medal in speed skating, a milestone recognized internationally.
Prior to her Olympic success, Jackson competed in inline speed skating, qualifying for The World Games 2017 in Wrocław, Poland. She also qualified for the 500 meters long track speed skating event at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. Her journey to the Olympics began with figure skating at the age of eight, before transitioning to speed skating.
Jackson attended Shores Christian Academy, Howard Middle School, and Forest High School in Florida, where she participated in the Engineering and Manufacturing Institute of Technology magnet program. She later graduated with honors from the University of Florida with a degree in Materials Science & Engineering.
Omega Watches, the official timekeeper of the Olympics, has featured Jackson in promotional materials, highlighting the precision and importance of timing in the Games. A recent Instagram post from Jackson shows her at the Opening Ceremony, acknowledging Omega’s role.
As of January 25, 2026, Jackson had not commented publicly on her performance in the current Olympic Games, and no official results have been released beyond her non-podium finish.
