Elana Meyers Taylor Wins First Olympic Gold in Monobob at 41 | Winter Olympics 2026

Elana Meyers Taylor made history by winning her first Olympic gold medal in monobob at the age of 41 during the Milano Cortina Games. Her remarkable achievement capped an outstanding career that began at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Over her five Olympic appearances, she has collected three silver medals and two bronze medals across two events: monobob and two-woman bobsleigh.

Historic Victory at the Milano Cortina Games

Meyers Taylor’s gold medal win came down to a thrilling final run. She finished with a time of 3 minutes 57.93 seconds, narrowly besting her rivals. Despite strong competition from Laura Nolte of Germany, Nolte could not surpass Meyers Taylor’s time and settled for silver. Kaillie Armbruster Humphries, also from the US and competing in her fifth Olympics, secured the bronze medal.

Significance of the Achievement

• Meyers Taylor became the oldest female Winter Olympic champion in American history.
• This gold medal marks her sixth Olympic medal, tying her with speed skater Bonnie Blair for the most by a US woman in Winter Games history.
• She was previously the most decorated Black athlete at Winter Olympics, adding to her impressive legacy.

Meyers Taylor expressed her disbelief at reaching this pinnacle of achievement: “I thought it was impossible.” Her win is particularly noteworthy as she and Armbruster Humphries became the first women in their 40s to win medals in Olympic bobsled history.

Earlier Achievements and Legacy

Before securing gold in monobob, Meyers Taylor won a silver medal at the inaugural monobob event during the 2022 Beijing Games, while Armbruster Humphries claimed the gold. This time, both athletes continued their exceptional form, having reached the podium in all five of their Olympic participations.

This historic moment for Meyers Taylor is a testament to her dedication and talent in the sport of bobsledding. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.