With every victory at the Olympics or in the process of getting there, athletes also face the heartbreak of not achieving sometimes lifelong goals. In some sports, one tiny mistake is enough to evaporate an athlete’s shot at an Olympic medal, or, in Erin Jackson’s case, a chance to even contend.
The U.S. long track speedskater is currently the best in the world in the women’s 500-meter race, but a costly slip-up during the Olympic trials on Friday in the qualifying event could end up keeping Jackson from competing in the Beijing Games in February.
However, she still has a chance.
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