SPEEDSKATING FOLLOWUP
Chalk up a gold medal to an inline skater turned speed skater on ice. A young woman from Florida! (Erin Jackson) Cold Wisconsin winters required to become fast ice skaters fade away like old soldiers. But, there is a better part of her story. One of teamwork. She still needed to go to Papa’s hometown to qualify for the Olympics. The trials are often held at the Pettit Center oval for the US team. However, the races can be all or nothing at times. Qualifying can come down to a matter of split seconds/a slip etc.
Though favored to win, she encountered the dreaded slip and finished out of the running for a coveted spot on the team. Her specialty is the 500 meter. Another team member who qualified in the 1000 and 1500 meter, also made the team in the 500. (Brittany Bowe) However, she demonstrated being a good sport by giving up her 500 meter slot on the team to her friend and teammate. Erin was considered in the better position to gain a medal. Which is exactly what happened. GOLD!
Papa now has extra incentive to cheer for Ms. Bowe in her 1000 and 1500 races at the Olympics. A heartwarming story that is polar opposite to much of the current day’s news items.