U.S. Speed Skater Eyes Podium Finish in Women’s 1000m
Erin Jackson, the U.S. Olympic flagbearer and reigning 500m champion, competed in the women’s 1000m speed skating event at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Monday, February 9, 2026. Jackson narrowly defeated world record holder Brittany Bowe at the U.S. Olympic Trials in January, securing both athletes their Olympic berths in the distance.[1]
Jackson, who grew up inline skating in Ocala, Florida alongside Bowe, added the 1000m to her Olympic program following the Beijing Games. However, a series of health challenges since 2023 forced her to adjust her training regimen heading into Milan. Despite these obstacles, Jackson demonstrated her competitive edge at trials, edging out Bowe by just 0.39 seconds.[1][2]
Bowe’s Final Olympic Push
Brittany Bowe, 37, is making her fourth and final Olympic appearance before retirement after 16 years as a professional speed skater. The American has accumulated 91 World Cup medals, 22 national titles, and six world titles—three of which came in the 1000m. Her 1000m world record, set in 2019, still stands today.[2]
Though Bowe has never won Olympic gold in the 1000m, she earned a bronze medal in Beijing, making the 2026 competition a significant moment in her storied career. At the World Cup finale in Inzell, Germany just before the Olympics, Bowe finished fourth in the 1000m, narrowly missing the podium by 0.35 seconds.[2]
Elite International Competition
The American duo faces fierce international competition from established distance specialists. Miho Takagi of Japan, a three-time World Cup champion in the 1000m, won Olympic gold in this distance at Beijing in Olympic record time. The Netherlands’ Femke Kok, the reigning Olympic champion, made the podium in all five World Cup races this season and captured the overall World Cup title in the distance.[2]
Dutch teammate Jutta Leerdam, Beijing silver medalist and world No. 2 in the 1000m, brings a two-time world championship resume to the competition. The Netherlands also fielded Suzanne Schulting, the only short track speed skater to win four medals at a single Olympics, making her long-track Olympic debut in multiple events at Milan.[2]
Jackson’s Olympic Journey
Jackson’s path to this moment reflects her determination to overcome adversity. Despite her health challenges, she demonstrated explosive speed during trials, posting one of her best performances of the season. Her fastest lap times at trials showcased the championship form that made her a 2022 Olympic gold medalist.[1]
