Elana Meyers Taylor Wins First Olympic Gold, Becomes Most Decorated Black Winter Olympian

The six-time Olympian is also the most decorated U.S. Olympic bobsledder after her historic victory.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Elana Meyers Taylor, a 41-year-old American bobsledder, captured her first Olympic gold medal in the women's monobob competition at the Milan-Cortina Games. With this victory, Meyers Taylor solidified her place as the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history and the most decorated U.S. Olympic bobsledder.

Why it matters

Meyers Taylor's achievement is significant as she overcame personal struggles and burnout that nearly led her to quit the sport. Her perseverance and the support of her husband, Nic Taylor, allowed her to reach new heights in her storied career.

The details

Meyers Taylor made history as the oldest woman to win an individual gold medal in Winter Games history. She tied Bonnie Blair for the most medals by a U.S. woman in the Winter Games and extended her record of most medals won by a Black woman competing in the Winter Games. Meyers Taylor had previously earned silver in the 2014 and 2018 two-woman bobsled and 2022 monobob, as well as bronze in the 2010 two-woman and 2022 two-woman events.

  • Meyers Taylor captured the gold medal on Monday, February 19, 2026 during the women's monobob competition at the Milan-Cortina Games.
  • Meyers Taylor is a six-time Olympian, having competed in the 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 Winter Games.

The players

Elana Meyers Taylor

A 41-year-old American bobsledder who is the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history and the most decorated U.S. Olympic bobsledder.

Nic Taylor

Meyers Taylor's husband, a former bobsledder and a performance coach with the San Antonio Spurs, who encouraged her not to give up when she faced personal struggles and burnout.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, I don't think I'm going to process this for a while. There were so many moments during this entire season, during this past four years, that we just thought it was impossible, or I thought it wasn't possible. My team around me believed in me the entire time.”

— Elana Meyers Taylor (Olympics.com)

“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 (NBC News)

What’s next

Meyers Taylor's historic victory will likely cement her legacy as one of the greatest Winter Olympians of all time. She has hinted at potentially retiring after these Games, but if she chooses to continue competing, she will have the opportunity to further extend her records.

The takeaway

Meyers Taylor's triumph is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering support of loved ones. Her story inspires athletes and fans alike, showing that with determination and the right team behind you, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.