A Moment In Black History

African Americans Make History In Speed Skating

Maame Biney Photo: biney.biney/Instagram
Maame Biney Photo: biney.biney/Instagram
Speed skaters, Maame Biney and Erin Jackson, make history as the first African-American women to represent the U.S. on the Olympic speed skating team.

Biney (18) started skating when she was five after coming to the U.S. from Ghana. While her dad was driving she saw a sign for skating lessons. After her first class Biney never looked back, setting her goals on the Olympics. Her mission for goal will begin in the 500-meter and 1,500-meter events.

It’s short and fast, and those are my two favorite things about skating: going really fast in a short race,” Biney told TeamUSA. org.

“I just hope to have fun and not overstress about my results or how I’m going to do or what everyone’s going to think,” she said. “I just hope to have fun and enjoy my Olympic experience.”

Jackson started her speed skating career differently than Biney. She was a three-time Female Athlete of the Year for roller skating and inline skater. She only had four months of ice skating experience before making the Olympics.

“I was coming into the Olympic trials just hoping to get some experience, and kind of see where I am after the time I’ve had on the ice,” said Jackson.

She also was a double gold medalist at the Pan American Championships in her previous sport.

Jackson says she hopes she can inspire others.

“I’m looking forward just to being someone that children and people of color can look to, and maybe make them say, ‘Maybe this is a sport that I can get into,’” said Jackson.

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