In a moment that will be remembered for generations, Swiss bobsleigh pilot Melanie Hasler has achieved what no Swiss athlete had done before. Competing on the iconic Olympia Bobrun in St. Moritz, her home track, Hasler claimed the 2026 European Championship gold medal in women's monobob, writing a new chapter in her country's sporting legacy.

The victory is particularly sweet as it comes just months before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, where monobob will appear on the Olympic program for only the second time. Hasler's historic win marks the first Swiss women's bobsleigh European Championship gold since Fabienne Meyer's triumph in the two-woman bobsleigh back in 2014, ending a 12-year wait for Swiss fans.

The competition showcased the incredible depth of talent in women's bobsleigh. Australia's Bree Walker delivered a stunning performance, setting a track record of 1:11.20 minutes and securing her third World Cup victory of the season with an impressive 0.53-second lead. Walker's success demonstrates the truly global nature of the sport, with athletes from around the world pushing each other to new heights.

Austria also had reason to celebrate as Katrin Beierl captured silver in the European Championships, marking a groundbreaking moment for her nation. This was Austria's first-ever European Championship medal in women's monobob, proving that persistence and dedication eventually pay off. Beierl finished third in the overall World Cup standings for the event, just 0.68 seconds behind the leader.

Germany's Laura Nolte continued her remarkable consistency in the discipline, claiming European bronze as the third-best European competitor. The defending 2025 European Monobob Champion has now collected an impressive five medals in the five IBSF European Championships held in women's monobob to date. Her steady presence at the top of the overall World Cup standings, with 1,246 points, speaks to her exceptional skill and dedication.

The Ripple Effect

The competition in St. Moritz represented more than just individual achievements. It showcased how women's bobsleigh continues to grow and flourish on the international stage. The diversity of medal winners, spanning three continents, illustrates how the sport is inspiring athletes worldwide and creating new opportunities for women in winter sports.

Perhaps one of the most heartwarming stories came from Italy's Simona de Silvestro, a former racing driver who achieved the best World Cup result of her career with a 15th place finish. As Italy prepares to host the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, de Silvestro's progress symbolizes the exciting growth and possibilities in the sport.

The event also saw Lisa Buckwitz of Germany set a start record of 5.75 seconds in her second run, demonstrating the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives these remarkable athletes. With the Winter Olympics on the horizon, the stage is set for even more inspiring performances and historic moments in women's bobsleigh.