Erin Jackson's gold-medal story, co-written by Brittany Bowe, is "unbelievable"

Brittany Bowe started it, Erin Jackson finished it.

Had it not been for Bowe's selfless gesture after the U.S. trials, Jackson might not have made it to the start of the women's 500 metres at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics.

But she was there, and she clocked 37.04 - 0.08 faster than Japan's Takagi Miho - to become the first Black female speed skating Olympic champion.

Angelina Golikova of ROC took bronze.

Jackson said, "It’s like a dream come true. I wouldn’t have predicted this even a year ago. I still feel kind of new in the sport and I’m just really grateful it turned out this way. I hope I have a longer future. I just tried to turn everything off and have an automatic race.

History made in Hollywood fashion

Jackson is the first American woman to win the 500m since Bonnie Blair at Lillehammer 1994. Not bad for someone who only switched from inline skating just five years ago.

Bowe wound up 16th on the evening in 38.04 but was far from disappointed. In fact, she just may have been the most proud teammate in the world.

"I’m speechless," Bowe said. "It was an honour to give someone this opportunity... I knew she had a chance to do something special - and you just saw that something special happen, to become an Olympic champion.

"I couldn’t be more proud to be her teammate and I’m just happy to be part of the puzzle. It’s incredible. Unbelievable."

The made-for-movie story of Bowe and Jackson goes like this:

Jackson, the first Black woman to make the American long track team in 2018 and the number one in the world at 500m, finished third at the U.S. trials in January after an uncharacteristic slip.

Bowe went on to win the 500m as a result - which didn't sit well with her, knowing where she stood in the global pecking order.

Having already qualified in her better events, the 1000m and 1500m, Bowe gave up her spot to her friend of nearly two decades.

Bowe said, "I won the tournament but I know very well how I stand in the world ranking. Erin’s ranked No. 1 in the world and now she’s an Olympic champion. It was the right thing to do.

"So proud of her, I want this moment to be about her and just enjoy it. That's exactly what I told her."

Bowe ended up racing in the 500m only because the USA later gained an extra spot when some teams returned their quota places in the event.

And now Jackson hopes she can win the 1000m - the event in which Bowe is the world record holder - on Thursday.

"Hopefully it’s not over yet. She’s still got a 1000 so hopefully the two of us can celebrate some gold medals together," said the 29-year-old Jackson, who is four years younger than Bowe.

"I didn’t feel perfect (today) but I felt good. I’m just happy I was able to put together a good race.

"Even before the last couple of seasons, just having her as a teammate and mentor has been amazing."