Elana Meyers Taylor Heads to 5th Olympics with US Record

When Elana Meyers Taylor steps onto the bobsled track at the 2026 Winter Olympics, she'll already be making history before the first run even starts.

The 41-year-old holds the record for most Olympic medals won by an American bobsledder. Now she's preparing for her fifth Olympic appearance in Norway, a feat that places her among the most enduring athletes in winter sports.

Her path to the top wasn't about instant glory. Meyers Taylor built her legacy one race at a time, pushing through injuries, setbacks, and the challenges of being a mother in an elite sport.

Between Olympics, she's become a voice for athletes navigating parenthood. She competed at the 2022 Beijing Games just months after giving birth to her son, showing other athlete moms what's possible when support systems exist.

The Ripple Effect

Meyers Taylor's influence reaches beyond her own medal count. She's opened doors for women in bobsled, a sport long dominated by men, and proved that Olympic careers don't have to end in your 20s.

Young athletes watching her compete now see someone who's sustained excellence across two decades. Her longevity challenges the narrative that elite athletes must choose between family and competition.

She's also advocated for better resources for Olympic athletes, using her platform to highlight gaps in training support and healthcare. Her willingness to speak up has helped improve conditions for the next generation.

At 41, she's competing against athletes half her age and still winning. That sends a powerful message about what's possible when you refuse to let others define your timeline.

Why This Inspires

Fifth Olympics are rare. Most athletes retire after two or three, their bodies worn down by years of punishment or their motivation fading. Meyers Taylor keeps showing up because she still loves the sport and believes she has more to give.

Her story reminds us that the greatest legacies aren't always measured in medals. They're measured in how many people you inspire to keep going when giving up feels easier.

As she prepares to race in Norway, Meyers Taylor isn't just chasing another medal—she's proving that passion and perseverance can outlast any timeline.