CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — For sixteen years, the highest step of the Olympic podium remained the only peak Elana Meyers Taylor hadn’t summited. On Monday night, amidst the jagged peaks of the Italian Alps, the 41-year-old mother of two finally stood alone at the top.
In a breathtaking display of veteran composure, Meyers Taylor surged from behind in the final heat to capture the gold medal in women’s monobob at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. The victory marks her first Olympic gold and her sixth career medal, officially tying her with speed skating legend Bonnie Blair for the most Winter Olympic medals ever won by an American woman.
A Comeback for the Ages
Entering the final day of competition, the odds were stacked against the American veteran. Germany’s Laura Nolte held a commanding 0.15-second lead—a lifetime in the world of sliding sports. However, Meyers Taylor delivered a masterclass in the fourth run, clocking a blistering 59.51-second heater that forced Nolte into a high-pressure mistake.
When the dust settled, the margin of victory was razor-thin:
- Meyers Taylor (USA): 3:57.93
- Laura Nolte (GER): 3:57.97 (+0.04)
“I thought it was impossible,” Meyers Taylor admitted through tears as she embraced her sons, Nico and Noah, at the finish line. “I’ve had concussions, I’ve had doubts, and I’ve had plenty of people tell me I was too old. To hear the anthem tonight… it’s everything.”
Defying the “40-Year-Old” Narrative
The podium was a testament to the longevity of the modern female athlete. Joining Meyers Taylor was teammate Kaillie Humphries Armbruster, 40, who secured the bronze medal just 18 months after giving birth.
“You get a lot of people that like to write you off as soon as you reach 40. I think Elana and I are both proof that it’s all downhill from there is a lie.” — Kaillie Humphries Armbruster
Historic Medal Count: U.S. Women (Winter Games)
| Athlete | Sport | Total Medals | Gold Medals |
| Elana Meyers Taylor | Bobsled | 6 | 1 |
| Bonnie Blair | Speed Skating | 6 | 5 |