Olympic Skaters Choose Gratitude Over Gold in Milan

Speed skaters Erin Jackson and Brittany Bowe didn't medal in the women's 1000 meter at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but they left the ice feeling like champions anyway.

Jackson, 33, skated her second-fastest time ever in the event on February 9. Bowe, the world record holder, placed fourth. The Netherlands took gold and silver, while Japan earned bronze.

"That was my second best finish in the 1000 ever," Jackson told reporters after the race, beaming. "Last Olympics, I wasn't even competing in the 1000. I couldn't be happier. Well, I could be happier with a medal. But hey, pretty close."

For Bowe, finishing fourth was tough. But what made this Olympics special had nothing to do with the scoreboard.

"What makes this more special than anything is having my mom, my dad, and my sister up there in the stands cheering for me," said Bowe, 37. At the 2022 Beijing Games, no family members were allowed due to pandemic restrictions.

That medal she won in Beijing? It felt empty without her loved ones there. This fourth-place finish, surrounded by family, brought her more joy.

The two friends have been skating together since they met at a roller rink in Ocala, Florida, when Jackson was just 10 years old. Their bond deepened when Bowe gave up her 500 meter spot at the 2022 Trials so Jackson could compete after a fall. Jackson went on to win gold in that event.

Why This Inspires

These athletes are rewriting what winning looks like. Bowe announced this will be her final Olympics, and she's choosing to measure success in gratitude rather than medals.

"This sport and every 1000 meter that I've skated have really made me into the woman I am today," she said. "While there has been sadness with it being the last time, it's also just a huge sense of pride."

Jackson still has the 500 meter coming up, where she'll defend her Olympic title. Bowe will compete in the 1500 meter and her favorite event, the Team Pursuit.

Both women are proving that the real victory is showing up with your whole heart, surrounded by people who love you no matter what the clock says.