“Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice and is never the result of selfishness.” -Napoleon Hill
Only two US speed skaters were guaranteed a spot on the Olympic team for the Beijing Olympics in 2022. In the 500-meter race, Brittany Bowe won, but she sacrificed her own shot at glory when she gave up her spot in the Winter Olympics to her friend, Erin Jackson. Jackson was the world’s No. 1 speed skater but had slipped and fallen during a qualifying race which put her out of contention.
Bowe said there was never any question in her mind that she would give up her spot to Jackson. “First and foremost, Erin has earned her right to be on this 500-meter team,” Bowe said. “No one is more deserving than her to get an opportunity to bring home a medal for Team USA. After that unfortunate slip, I knew in my mind before that night was even over that if it had to come down to a decision of mine, she could have my place. It’s bigger than just me—it’s Team USA. Erin has a shot to bring home a medal—hopefully, a gold medal—and it’s my honor to give her that opportunity.”
However, a few days later, the US Olympic team learned that it would have an extra spot in the 500m race. Bowe was added to the roster and was able to compete alongside Jackson. Jackson became the first Black woman gold medalist in the sport and Bowe won a bronze medal in the 1000 meters.
Summary
- Bowe realized it wasn’t just about her- she wanted what was best for her team, her country, her friend. Often when we sacrifice the ‘me’ for the ‘we,’ we are rewarded in the end.
- Bowe didn’t know she would have a spot on the team, but it worked out. She was able to still go to the Olympics and medal. Jackson was able to compete and earn the gold for the USA.
Reflection
- Would you have given up your spot to a teammate that deserved it? Discuss why you would or wouldn’t.
- What message does sacrifice, and support send to your teammates? To yourself?
- Consider the qualities you admire in your teammates. Which qualities do you admire enough to sacrifice for them?
Moving Forward
| Consider: “Sacrifice is a part of life. It’s supposed to be. It’s not something to regret. It’s something to aspire to.” -Mitch Albom. Assess the sacrifices you have made so far to achieve the level of performance that you have reached. How have they shaped the athlete you currently are? | Implement: Think about your teammates and their growth and performance. Reach out to a teammate whose sacrifices you admire. | Expand: Watch the video of Bowe’s interview when she explained her decision to pass along her spot to Jackson. |
“I am a member of a team, and I rely on the team, I defer to it and sacrifice for it, because the team, not the individual, is the ultimate champion.” -Mia Hamm
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