This season’s 29-year-old sprint revelation botched her race at the US Trials in Milwaukee, finishing third, needing a spot in the top two.
Jackson has won four of the eight 500m World Cup races this season and is first in the World Cup standings. However, on the last straight to the finish, the Olympic gold favorite made a misstep and finished in 38.24. Brittany Bowe (37.81) and Kimi Goetz (37.86) were faster.
“I messed up myself,” Jackson told the broadcaster NBC. “Certainly as the number 1 in the world cup ranking, it would feel strange if I can’t go to the Games.” However, to have a chance at a starting ticket, one of her compatriots has to give up her place. “I’m not giving up hope yet. We will wait and see what comes out.”