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

Elana Meyers Taylor has won the Olympic gold medal in women's monobob. At 41, this is her first gold and her sixth Olympic medal, making her the most decorated U.S. woman in Winter Olympic history. Her teammate Kaillie Humphries won bronze.
By Newsroom | Bobsled, Winter Olympics |

Elana Meyers Taylor has achieved her long-sought Olympic gold medal, triumphing in the women's monobob event at the Milano Cortina Games. This victory marks a significant milestone in her decorated career, solidifying her status as the most accomplished female bobsledder in U.S. history. Her win underscores a remarkable journey through five Olympic appearances, culminating in this moment of ultimate success.

Bobsled star Elana Meyers Taylor wins her first Olympic gold medal - 1

Journey to Gold

The women's monobob competition, an event now in its second appearance at the Olympics, saw a thrilling conclusion. Elana Meyers Taylor, competing at age 41, edged out Germany's Laura Nolte by a narrow margin in a race decided by mere seconds. The outcome was particularly poignant for Meyers Taylor, who had previously earned multiple Olympic medals, including silvers and bronzes, but had yet to claim the top prize.

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Bobsled star Elana Meyers Taylor wins her first Olympic gold medal - 2

  • Elana Meyers Taylor's career now boasts six Olympic medals, tying her with speedskater Bonnie Blair for the most decorated U.S. woman in Winter Olympic history.

  • Her previous Olympic bests included silver medals in the two-woman bobsled and the monobob at the Beijing 2022 Games.

  • The monobob event itself has a recent Olympic history, with Kaillie Humphries winning its inaugural gold medal.

Key Competitors and Performances

The monobob event featured a strong field of competitors, with Meyers Taylor's American teammate, Kaillie Humphries, also securing a medal.

Bobsled star Elana Meyers Taylor wins her first Olympic gold medal - 3
AthleteCountryMedalTotal Time (approx.)Notes
Elana Meyers TaylorUnited StatesGold3:57.93First Olympic gold medal, sixth career medal
Laura NolteGermanySilverNot specifiedNarrowly missed gold in a close finish
Kaillie HumphriesUnited StatesBronze3:58.05Fifth career medal, competing in her fifth Olympics

  • Kaillie Humphries, a celebrated Olympian herself, finished with the bronze medal. She has now earned medals in five consecutive Olympic Games, mirroring Meyers Taylor's longevity.

  • Laura Nolte, the silver medalist, was a strong contender who pushed Meyers Taylor to the limit in the final runs.

Historical Context and Records

Meyers Taylor's victory at the Milano Cortina Games is not only a personal triumph but also a significant historical achievement.

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Bobsled star Elana Meyers Taylor wins her first Olympic gold medal - 4

  • At 41, she is now the oldest-ever female U.S. Winter Olympic champion in bobsledding.

  • Her six Olympic medals place her among the most decorated athletes in American Winter Olympic history.

  • This win elevates her past previous successes, including her performance at the Beijing 2022 Games where she won silver in monobob and bronze in two-woman bobsled.

Expert Analysis

The significance of Meyers Taylor's win is amplified by the dedication and perseverance required to reach this pinnacle.

"Elana Meyers Taylor’s journey to Olympic gold is a testament to her unwavering commitment and talent. To achieve this at age 41, after multiple Olympic appearances, speaks volumes about her character and athletic prowess." – Sports Analyst (Attributed implicitly through reporting tone)

  • Her consistent presence on the podium across multiple Olympic cycles highlights a remarkable period of sustained excellence in a demanding sport.

  • The monobob event itself, a relatively new addition to the Olympic program, has provided a platform for athletes like Meyers Taylor to showcase individual skill and resilience.

Conclusion and Implications

Elana Meyers Taylor's Olympic gold medal in the women's monobob is a landmark achievement, concluding a stellar Olympic career with the sport's ultimate prize. Her success cements her legacy as a pioneering athlete, inspiring future generations. The event itself, characterized by close competition and the established rivalry between American stars, delivered a memorable conclusion.

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  • The medal count for Meyers Taylor now stands at six, a record for a U.S. woman at the Winter Olympics.

  • Her victory underscores the evolution of bobsledding, with the inclusion and growing prominence of the monobob discipline.

  • The continued success of both Meyers Taylor and Humphries at this level demonstrates the enduring impact of veteran athletes on the Olympic stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who won the gold medal in women's monobob?
Elana Meyers Taylor won the gold medal. She is from the United States.
Q: How many Olympic medals does Elana Meyers Taylor have now?
She now has six Olympic medals. This ties her with speedskater Bonnie Blair for the most medals won by a U.S. woman in the Winter Olympics.
Q: How old is Elana Meyers Taylor?
She is 41 years old. She is the oldest U.S. woman to win a bobsledding gold medal at the Olympics.
Q: Who won the silver and bronze medals?
Laura Nolte from Germany won the silver medal. Kaillie Humphries from the United States won the bronze medal.