Advocate for diversity

In winning gold, Jackson followed a trail blazed by compatriot Shani Davis, who was the first black athlete to win Olympic speed skating gold in 2006, when he won the men's 1,000m in Turin.

Only 43 of 2,952 athletes at the 2018 Winter Games were black, and there were fewer still in Beijing in 2022 after the International Olympic Committee did away with continental quotas in sliding sports, which had previously offered a pathway for African competitors.

Beyond her sporting achievements, Jackson has become an advocate for diversity in speed skating through her involvement with Edge Outdoors, an organization that helps women of color engage in snow sports.

"When I retire from the sport and have a bit more time on my hands, it's going to be my personal mission to start an organization that helps more people experience the sport," Jackson said.

"One of the big barriers to entry is the cost. It's a really expensive sport to get into, so I would like to start a scholarship program to help more people who maybe can't afford it."

Jackson has already seen the impact of her Beijing victory ripple through her sport, especially in Salt Lake City, where US Speed Skating is based.

"It's been great to see more diversity in the sport. Social media posts from parents showing their kids skating are really rewarding," she added.

While Milano-Cortina will mark her third Olympic appearance, Jackson's future beyond 2026 remains uncertain, with the University of Florida graduate saying she was going to take it "one day at a time".

"I'm not sure if I'm going to retire or not. With my back injury and the three disk herniations, I need to find out a long-term solution for that," Jackson said.

"But, if I can get that under control, I'm ready for another four (years)."

Reuters