US Bobsledder Wins by 0.01 Seconds in Thrilling Finish

A single hundredth of a second separated victory from second place as American bobsledder Kaillie Humphries and brakeman Jasmine Jones clinched gold at the World Cup in St. Moritz, Switzerland this Sunday. The win marks Humphries' 32nd World Cup victory and Jones' first career gold medal.

The two-woman team completed their runs in 2 minutes and 18.40 seconds, barely edging out Switzerland's Melanie Hasler and Nadja Pasternack by the slimmest margin possible in bobsled competition. Germany's Laura Nolte and Leonie Kluwig finished just three hundredths of a second behind the winners, making it the tightest three-way finish since 2016.

"I knew that Kaillie and I could do it with fast pushes and a great drive," Jones said after the race. The victory came at a crucial moment, with the U.S. Olympic team set to be announced this week for the Milan Cortina Games.

The day brought more good news for Team USA in luge competition. Chevonne Forgan and Sophia Kirkby earned their Olympic berth in women's doubles, which will be contested as a medal event for the first time in Olympic history.

The Ripple Effect

This breakthrough moment represents more than personal victories. Jones, a relative newcomer to elite bobsled racing, showed that persistence and teamwork can pay off at the highest levels of winter sports.

The inclusion of women's doubles luge at the Olympics marks a significant step forward for gender equality in winter sports. Only 11 sleds worldwide will compete in Milan Cortina, making the American team's qualification a testament to years of dedicated training.

Two U.S. men's doubles luge teams also secured Olympic spots: Marcus Mueller with Ansel Haugsjaa, plus returning 2022 Olympians Zack DiGregorio and Sean Hollander. The official team announcement from USA Luge will come Monday, with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee expected to make nominations later this week.

As these athletes prepare for the world's biggest stage, their recent performances prove American winter sports remain competitive at the highest levels.