Georgia's Elana Meyers Taylor Wins Gold And Ties Olympic Record

The most decorated female bobsledder of all time adds another gold medal to her collection.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Elana Meyers Taylor, a 41-year-old bobsledder from Douglasville, Georgia, won the gold medal in the monobob event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. This is Meyers Taylor's fifth Olympic Games, and she has now tied speed skater Bonnie Blair as the most decorated U.S. woman in Winter Olympics history with 6 total medals, including 2 bronze, 3 silver, and now 1 gold.

Why it matters

Meyers Taylor's victory is a testament to her perseverance and determination, as she overcame doubts about her ability to compete at a high level in her 40s and as a mother of two young sons. Her achievement inspires others to pursue their dreams regardless of perceived limitations.

The details

Meyers Taylor beat her competition by just 0.04 seconds, clinching the gold medal. When Germany's Laura Nolte's final run came up short, an emotional Meyers Taylor fell to her knees in tears of joy, clutching an American flag with her two sons, 5-year-old Nico and 3-year-old Noah, by her side.

  • Meyers Taylor won the gold medal on Monday night in Cortina, Italy.
  • This was Meyers Taylor's fifth Olympic Games.

The players

Elana Meyers Taylor

A 41-year-old bobsledder from Douglasville, Georgia, who is the most decorated female bobsledder of all time.

Laura Nolte

A German bobsledder who competed against Meyers Taylor in the monobob event.

Nico

Meyers Taylor's 5-year-old son.

Noah

Meyers Taylor's 3-year-old son.

Nic Taylor

Meyers Taylor's husband, who was present to witness her gold medal win.

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What they’re saying

“This is definitely the top, not only the Olympic champion, but to be able to do this with my kids, both my kids like it's just incredible.”

— Elana Meyers Taylor (southernliving.com)

“All those people, those haters, that like to say, once you're 40, you're over the hill, or once you become a mom, you can't be back on top of the podium. I think that's not true.”

— Kallie Humphries, Team USA member (southernliving.com)

What’s next

Meyers Taylor's historic achievement cements her legacy as one of the greatest female bobsledders of all time. She will likely be celebrated as a trailblazer for women in sports, especially as a mother competing at the highest level.

The takeaway

Elana Meyers Taylor's gold medal victory at age 41, after already becoming the most decorated female bobsledder in Olympic history, is an inspiring story of perseverance, determination, and defying doubters. Her achievement shows that age and motherhood do not have to be barriers to athletic excellence.