New Braunfels' Elana Meyers Taylor wins Olympic gold

The 41-year-old becomes the oldest woman to win an Olympic monobob event.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Elana Meyers Taylor, a 41-year-old athlete from New Braunfels, Texas, has won the gold medal in the monobob event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. With this victory, Meyers Taylor has become the oldest woman to win an Olympic monobob competition.

Why it matters

Meyers Taylor's gold medal win is a significant achievement, as she has overcome numerous challenges throughout her career, including injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic, to reach the pinnacle of her sport at an age when many athletes have already retired. Her success is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and skill, and it serves as an inspiration to athletes of all ages.

The details

Meyers Taylor, a four-time Olympic medalist, dominated the monobob event, posting the fastest times in both the preliminary and final runs. She finished the competition with a combined time of 1:39.94, nearly a full second ahead of the silver medalist.

  • Meyers Taylor won the gold medal on February 20, 2026, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

The players

Elana Meyers Taylor

A 41-year-old athlete from New Braunfels, Texas, who has won four Olympic medals, including the gold medal in the monobob event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just so grateful to have the opportunity to compete at this level and represent my country. This medal is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my entire team.”

— Elana Meyers Taylor (culturemap.com)

What’s next

Meyers Taylor plans to retire from competitive bobsledding after the 2026 Olympics, but she has expressed interest in coaching or mentoring the next generation of American bobsled athletes.

The takeaway

Elana Meyers Taylor's gold medal win at the age of 41 is a remarkable achievement that showcases the power of perseverance, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her story will inspire athletes of all ages to never give up on their dreams and to strive for greatness, no matter the obstacles they may face.