It is when one stumbles upon stories of this type that Sport finds its own meaning, its own, one might say, justification. Why this it’s a story of friendship, that true friendship that exists between athletes, in this specific case two women who will go to the Beijing 2022 games.
Two Americans, both skaters and both born, who knows if it is a coincidence, in Ocala, Florida. The first is called Brittany Bowe, she is 34 years old, she skates since she was 8, in inline skating she has won eight world titles: she is a champion, no more and no less. The second is called Erin Jackson, she is 29, she is African American, she arrived late at skating, when no one, absolutely no one, could have imagined it. Brittany attended two Olympic Games, Soci 2014 and Pyeongchang 2018, that’s where he won the bronze medal in the team pursuit. Erin instead four years ago was the protagonist of a small big business because he managed to qualify for the Pyeongchang Games after only four months of serious training.
The experience was exhilarating, despite the 24th place in those Games. That participation gave her such courage that Erin skipped the stages and in four years she has become world number one, the first African American to win a World Cup. No doubt: until a few weeks ago everyone gave her as a favorite at the next Beijing Games, the ones that start on February 5th. Then something happened that changed the fate of this story.
In America, the Games can be reached by passing through the Trials. You compete, if you succeed you qualify and you get the pass for the Olympics. The selection is very tough, they are in fact the games before the Games. Last week happened to Erin Jackson what an athlete fears that once in a lifetime could happen. It slipped, trivially. He did it in the discipline where he excels, the 500 meters. And he saw his colleagues pass away and with them the qualification. Because there were only two places for skating.
To cross the finish line first was her great friend, the most feared colleague, the veteran, the leader of the American group: yes, Brittany Bowe. And then: Brittany qualified for the third Olympics, Erin at home. Indeed, no. Because Brittany didn’t think twice. And it gave way. In America it can. “Erin has earned the right to be on this team,” Bowe said, “because none of us are more deserving than her, none of us have the opportunity to take home a medal. After that unfortunate mistake, I knew in my head before I even decided that she should have my place. ”
Brittany has given up her pass, the ones obtained in the 1000 and 1500 meters are enough for her, disciplines that will see her compete in Beijing. Erin Jackson was moved by her friend’s gesture. «I don’t have the words to define this gesture. I can only say that I am happy as I have never been. Brittany has always been my role model, an amazing person I can talk to if I need a friend. ‘ Sport, friendship, generosity: life beyond a departure and a goal, all within this beautiful story.
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Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
