American skater gives Olympic spot to friend

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Speed skater gives up Olympic spot to friend

American skater Erin Jackson is ranked number one in the world

in the 500 meters event

Courtesy: USA Today Sports Images

But she slipped during trials and missed out on an Olympic spot

Her friend and teammate Brittany Bowe qualified for three races in Beijing

and decided to give one spot to Jackson

"Before we left the building on Friday night, I had to give Erin a hug and told her that ... if it came down to me, she could have my spot because she earned it.” Brittany Bowe

"I just had to make my official call because I couldn't have had a celebratory time without Erin there."