Florida Speed Skaters Rewrite Winter Olympics History

When Brittany Bowe met 10-year-old Erin Jackson at their local roller rink in Ocala, Florida, she never imagined they'd one day make Winter Olympics history together. But 23 years later, these two speed skaters proved that true friendship and fierce competition can exist on the same ice.

Both athletes started as inline skaters, zipping around Florida roller rinks before anyone thought about winter sports. Brittany became a world champion while Erin looked up to her, dreaming of traveling the world like her friend.

Their paths eventually led to Salt Lake City, where Team USA turns top inline skaters into Olympic speed skaters. The program worked. Brittany earned two Olympic bronze medals and 22 World Championship medals. Erin claimed 13 World Championship medals and something even bigger.

At the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Erin became the first Black woman ever to win gold in an individual Winter Olympics event. But she almost didn't get the chance to compete.

When Erin slipped during the 500-meter qualifying trials, Brittany made a choice that defines their friendship. She gave up her own spot so Erin, the world's top-ranked 500-meter skater, could compete in Beijing.

"She was far more deserving than I was in that event," Brittany says simply. And when Erin struggled with imposter syndrome after winning gold, Brittany was there again, reminding her friend that the medal was 100 percent earned.

Why This Inspires

Their approach turns typical sports rivalry on its head. Instead of viewing each other as threats, they've adopted a "Brittany and Erin vs. everyone else" mentality heading into the 2026 Olympics.

"Until we're at the top of the podium as one and two, we're just trying to help each other get to that point," Erin explains. They train together, play doubles pickleball together, and yes, still enjoy Florida seafood boils together.

Erin credits her success partly to not tying her self-worth to performance. A bad race isn't the end of the world—it's a learning opportunity. She's also pursuing kinesiology and business degrees because her life extends far beyond the ice.

Meanwhile, Brittany stays competitive at 37 by embracing every recovery tool available, from infrared saunas to hyperbaric chambers. She's racing against athletes half her age and winning.

Their friendship works because of genuine admiration. Erin sees Brittany's leadership and strength. Brittany marvels at Erin's intelligence and balanced mindset. Neither views the other's success as taking anything away from their own.

As they prepare for 2026, both skaters are chasing the same dream: standing together on that podium, proving that lifting each other up is the fastest path to the top.