Elana Meyers Taylor Wins First Olympic Gold in Monobob

Elana Meyers Taylor has won her first Olympic gold medal in the women's monobob event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. She is 41 years old. Her teammate Kaillie Humphries won the bronze medal.
By Newsroom | Bobsled, Winter Olympics |

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have witnessed a significant moment for American bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, who has finally clinched her first Olympic gold medal in the women's monobob event. At 41 years old and in her fifth Olympic appearance, Meyers Taylor’s victory marks a career-defining achievement, while compatriot Kaillie Humphries secured the bronze. The event concluded on February 16, 2026, in Cortina D'Ampezzo, Italy.

Unveiling the Triumph

Elana Meyers Taylor’s pursuit of Olympic gold has been a long-standing narrative. Her victory in the monobob, a discipline that made its debut in the 2026 Games, adds a golden hue to a career already adorned with multiple Olympic medals. The culmination of her journey was met with an outpouring of emotion, as captured by news reports detailing her jubilant celebration with her young sons.

Read More: Elana Meyers Taylor Wins Gold in Monobob

Elana Meyers Taylor’s long-sought Olympic gold medal has been achieved in the women's monobob event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Race Dynamics and Podium Finish

The women's monobob competition unfolded over several heats, with Elana Meyers Taylor demonstrating exceptional performance in the crucial final run. She posted a combined time of 3 minutes and 57.93 seconds, narrowly edging out Laura Nolte of Germany, who claimed the silver medal with a time of 3:57.97.

2026 Winter Olympics: Meyers Taylor wins first gold, Humphries takes home bronze in monobob and more - 1

  • Gold: Elana Meyers Taylor (USA) - 3:57.93

  • Silver: Laura Nolte (Germany) - 3:57.97

  • Bronze: Kaillie Humphries (USA) - 3:58.05

Meyers Taylor's victory came after trailing Nolte in the initial heats. A decisive fourth run, clocked at 59.51 seconds, propelled her to the top of the standings. Kaillie Humphries, also representing the USA, secured the bronze medal, her fifth career Olympic medal.

A Career of Milestones

This gold medal represents Meyers Taylor's sixth career Olympic medal, solidifying her status as the most decorated female bobsledder in American history and the most decorated Black athlete at the Winter Olympics. Her Olympic journey began over a decade ago, and she had previously won silver and bronze medals at multiple Games.

Read More: Winter Olympics Day 11: Many Medals to Win

  • Age: 41 years old at the time of victory.

  • Olympic Appearances: Five (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026).

  • Previous Medals: Multiple silver and bronze across various bobsled disciplines.

The narrative of Meyers Taylor's success is intertwined with her family, particularly her two young sons, Nico and Noah, who were present to witness her historic win.

Contrasting Journeys: Meyers Taylor and Humphries

The monobob podium featured two prominent American athletes, Elana Meyers Taylor and Kaillie Humphries, whose paths to the 2026 Games offer distinct but compelling stories.

2026 Winter Olympics: Meyers Taylor wins first gold, Humphries takes home bronze in monobob and more - 2
AthleteNationalityMedalKey Facts
Elana Meyers TaylorUSAGoldFifth Olympic Games, first Olympic gold, sixth career medal, most decorated Black athlete at Winter Olympics.
Kaillie HumphriesUSABronzeFour-time Olympian, monobob gold medalist in 2022, fifth career Olympic medal.

While Meyers Taylor achieved her long-awaited gold, Humphries, a celebrated figure in the sport, added another medal to her extensive collection. Both athletes, mothers, highlight the evolving landscape of elite sports, balancing demanding careers with family life.

Broader Olympic Context

Meyers Taylor's gold medal is a significant achievement for Team USA at the Milan-Cortina Games. Her victory adds to the nation's tally in the bobsled discipline, a sport where American athletes have consistently performed. The monobob event itself, a newer addition to the Olympic program, provided a thrilling conclusion to its second iteration.

Read More: Elana Meyers Taylor Wins Gold in Women's Monobob

  • Kaysha Love, another American competitor in the monobob, finished in seventh place.

  • The competition also saw notable performances from Laura Nolte of Germany, who secured silver.

Expert Commentary and Analysis

The significance of Elana Meyers Taylor's gold medal has resonated within the sports community. Her perseverance and dedication over multiple Olympic cycles are frequently cited as hallmarks of her career.

"For 16 years, a gold medal eluded Elana Meyers Taylor, the most decorated female bobsledder in the sport’s history."— The New York Times

Her ability to perform at the highest level at the age of 41, particularly in a physically demanding sport, underscores her remarkable athleticism and mental fortitude.

Concluding Observations

The 2026 Winter Olympics have provided a defining moment for Elana Meyers Taylor, who has finally ascended to the pinnacle of her sport by winning Olympic gold in the monobob. Her journey, marked by persistence and a collection of five previous Olympic medals, culminates in a celebrated victory.

Read More: Elana Meyers Taylor Wins Historic Olympic Gold in Women's Monobob

  • The final standings saw Meyers Taylor narrowly beat Laura Nolte, with Kaillie Humphries rounding out the podium.

  • This gold medal not only fulfills a personal ambition for Meyers Taylor but also etches her name further into Olympic and bobsledding history.

  • The event underscores the competitive spirit and the personal narratives that unfold at the Winter Games.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the gold medal in the women's monobob event?
Elana Meyers Taylor from the USA won the gold medal. She is 41 years old.
Q: Who else won a medal for the USA in this event?
Kaillie Humphries won the bronze medal for the USA. This is her fifth Olympic medal.
Q: How old is Elana Meyers Taylor?
Elana Meyers Taylor is 41 years old.
Q: What is monobob?
Monobob is a type of bobsled race where one person rides in the sled alone. It was a new event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.