American Jackson wins women's 500m speed skating gold at Beijing 2022

Erin Jackson of the United States poses after speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Erin Jackson of the United States notched the gold medal in the women's 500m speed skating at the Beijing Winter Olympics here on Sunday.

The 29-year-old clocked a winning time of 37.04 seconds to become the first American speed skater since 1994 to win the Olympic gold in the women's 500m.

"I wish I could describe how I feel. It is amazing. This medal means so much," said Jackson, who would miss the Beijing Games but for her friend Brittany Bowe.

Bowe sacrificed her No.1 spot in 500m to Jackson who had slipped and finished third in the U.S. Olympic trials where top two finishers secured tickets to Beijing.

Bowe, the 1,000m and 1,500m specialist, was able to compete over the distance along with Jackson with an additional quota given to Team USA in reallocation, and finished 16th eventually.

"It has been a tough couple of years and a tough beginning for this year. For this to come around like this I am so happy," Jackson said.

Miho Takagi of Japan grabbed the silver in 37.12 seconds, while Angelina Golikova of the Russian Olympic Committee finished third in 37.21 seconds.

Also on Sunday, the men's team pursuit quarterfinals saw Norway, the United States, the Russian Olympic Committee and the Netherlands advance into the semifinals. Canada and South Korea advance to Final C while Italy and China advance to Final D. 

Erin Jackson of the United States poses after speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

Erin Jackson (C) of the United States, Takagi Miho (L) of Japan and Angelina Golikova of ROC pose after speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

Erin Jackson of the United States poses after speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

Erin Jackson of the United States celebrates after winning speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

Erin Jackson of the United States reacts after speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

Erin Jackson of the United States celebrates after winning speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

Erin Jackson of the United States celebrates after winning speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

Erin Jackson of the United States reacts after speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

Erin Jackson of the United States reacts after speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

Erin Jackson of the United States poses after speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)

Takagi Miho of Japan celebrates after speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

Takagi Miho of Japan competes during speed skating women's 500m at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei)