U.S. Soldier Azaria Hill Chases Bobsled Glory in Italy

When your mom is an Olympic track star and your dad is a Hall of Fame boxer, competition runs in your blood. For U.S. Army Specialist Azaria Hill, that legacy led her down an unexpected path from college sprinter to international bobsled competitor.

Hill spent her college years dominating the track in the 100 and 200-meter dash. A few years after graduation, her former teammate Kaysha Love suggested she try out for bobsled, a sport that demands the same explosive power as sprinting.

She impressed the coaches immediately and started competing for Team USA in 2023. The transition felt natural because both sports require identical bursts of strength and speed.

While training, Hill noticed many of her teammates were active-duty soldiers. Her coach, Lt. Col. Chris Fogt, introduced her to the Army's World Class Athlete Program, established in 1997 to help elite soldier-athletes compete internationally.

Hill enlisted in 2024, completing basic training as a Motor Transport Operator before joining WCAP. "I was definitely out of my comfort zone," she says, but that discomfort made her stronger both as a soldier and an athlete.

Now Hill balances dual responsibilities. Her training includes everything from back squats (her favorite) to power cleans (her least favorite), with competitions on weekends and Army duties in between.

The bobsled itself provides a workout beyond the track. "It takes about three people to flip a sled and move it," Hill explains, highlighting the physical demands that come before the race even begins.

Why This Inspires

Hill's story shows what happens when you bet on yourself, even when the path seems unconventional. She left her comfort zone in track, endured the rigors of basic training, and embraced a winter sport most people never consider.

Her approach to hard things offers a blueprint for anyone facing a challenge. "You're going to be uncomfortable in this workout," she tells herself during tough sessions, "but you're going to be one percent better than you were the day before."

Over the past two years, Hill has placed in the top five at major international competitions in Germany and Norway. This winter, she's headed to Northern Italy with her partner Kaysha Love, competing in a region where U.S. soldiers made history during World War II.

Her family remains her foundation through it all. Her mom watches every race, even the ones broadcast at 2:00 a.m. due to time differences, because Hill is breaking new ground as the first winter athlete in a family of champions.

Hill's message to anyone contemplating a big leap is simple: "Never be afraid to bet on yourself."