2026 Olympics are over, but speed skater Erin Jackson isn’t slowing down any time soon

It has been a few weeks since the Milan Cortina action wrapped, but just because the Olympics are over does not mean that the athletes who we saw partake in them are done competing.

Speed skater Erin Jackson is no exception in this sense. Erin is in the middle of her season and was in the Netherlands when she caught up with SB Nation to talk about the whirlwind of the last few months. You can watch our conversation below.

It was fascinating to hear what it is like for professional athletes to have to pause their “normal” season to go to compete in the Olympics and then return to “normal” life. This isn’t leaving your desk, all due respect, to go to a different desk and return home after a month. This is the highest possible level of competition that a human being can achieve and balancing all of that is difficult.

Erin noted that she makes it a practice of keeping her head down so that she can focus on the task or challenge directly ahead of her. This is good perspective and something that we can all do in our own walks of life.

It was very clear and apparent that Erin has a proper North Star in her own life. She joined us on behalf of Hershey’s and in her spot with them she talked about how much personal happiness matters to her more than any athletic accomplishment.

Happiness is in the moments and experiences we share, not just the milestones we reach,” said Stacy
Taffet, Chief Growth Officer, The Hershey Company. “Hershey’s is fueling the brand’s momentum through
what matters most: bringing people little prized moments of their own gold. Our new campaign connects
consumers to the excitement of the games and reminds them happiness is within reach – even as a
chocolate medal.”

As a proud supporter of Team USA, Hershey’s teamed up with five winter Olympic and Paralympic
athletes and their families for this, including:

Through a series of personal and authentic anecdotes, these athletes, along with their families, showcase
how happiness is not only found in winning, but in everyday moments along their journey. These
everyday rituals, small victories, and shared experiences matter just as much, and are the ultimate
reward. To bring these stories to life, Hershey’s interviewed athletes’ families first – asking what they
wished most for them. The answer was unanimous: happiness. Families reflected on childhood
memories, traditions, and the moments that shaped who these athletes are today. Those messages were
later revealed to each athlete, capturing genuine, unscripted reactions, before surprising them with their
families on set.

It can be difficult for athletes to return to “normal” following Olympic activity. Thankfully Erin Jackson is the right person for the job, the way she is most things.