41-Year-Old Bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor Wins Historic Olympic Gold

Meyers Taylor becomes the oldest individual gold medalist in Winter Olympics history and the second Black woman to win individual Winter gold.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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American bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, won the women's monobob event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, narrowly defeating Germany's Laura Nolte. Meyers Taylor's gold medal is her first in 16 years of competing at the Olympics, and she is now the oldest individual gold medalist in Winter Olympics history. She is also only the second Black woman, after Erin Jackson in 2022, to win individual Winter Olympics gold.

Why it matters

Meyers Taylor's historic achievement is a testament to her perseverance and dedication over a remarkable 16-year Olympic career. As a Black athlete in a niche sport like bobsledding, which has traditionally lacked diversity, her success is especially meaningful. Meyers Taylor's story also highlights the immense personal sacrifices Olympic athletes make, as she has balanced her training and competition with raising two young sons, one of whom has special needs.

The details

Meyers Taylor, a former George Washington University softball player, has now medaled in five straight Olympics, tying her with Bonnie Blair as the most decorated female Winter Olympian in U.S. history. Bobsledding is a sport that requires significant financial and personal commitment, with limited resources and infrastructure in the U.S. compared to other winter sports. Meyers Taylor has overcome these challenges while also raising her two young sons, one of whom was born deaf and the other with Down syndrome, who often travel with her to competitions.

  • Meyers Taylor won her first Olympic gold medal on Monday, February 17, 2026 in Cortina, Italy.
  • This was Meyers Taylor's sixth Olympic medal overall, having previously won three bronze and two silver medals.

The players

Elana Meyers Taylor

A 41-year-old American bobsledder who won the gold medal in the women's monobob event at the 2026 Winter Olympics, becoming the oldest individual gold medalist in Winter Olympics history and the second Black woman to win individual Winter gold.

Laura Nolte

A German bobsledder who won the silver medal in the women's monobob event, finishing just behind Meyers Taylor.

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What they’re saying

“My No. 1 goal in life pre-kids was to win an Olympic gold medal. As athletes, we focus so much on your value being tied to your accomplishments. With my kids, what it's really taught me is, your value lies in who you are as a person. It's really important to show them that, regardless of what people say, regardless of what the world thinks, you can persevere through any obstacle you face and go after your dreams.”

— Elana Meyers Taylor (NBC)

What’s next

Meyers Taylor has hinted that the 2026 Olympics may be her last, but she has not yet confirmed her retirement plans. If she does retire, she will leave behind an incredible legacy as one of the most decorated female Winter Olympians in U.S. history.

The takeaway

Elana Meyers Taylor's historic gold medal triumph at age 41, after overcoming numerous personal and professional challenges, is a powerful testament to the Olympic spirit of perseverance, resilience, and pursuing one's dreams against all odds. Her story inspires us to never give up on our goals, no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem.