American bobsled star Elana Meyers Taylor captured her long-awaited first Olympic gold medal Monday, winning the women’s monobob event at the Milan Cortina Winter Games and becoming the oldest American woman to win gold at a Winter Olympics.
The 41-year-old rallied in the fourth and final heat to finish with a combined time of 3:57.93, dropping to her knees in tears when the result became official.
Historic Podium Finish
Germany’s Laura Nolte took silver, while American teammate Kaillie Humphries earned bronze with a time of 3:58.05 to secure her fifth Olympic medal.
Meyers Taylor had previously won five Olympic medals — three silver and two bronze — and was already the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history. Her sixth medal ties U.S. speedskating legend Bonnie Blair for the most Winter Olympic medals by an American woman.
A Career-Defining Comeback
Entering the final run, Nolte held a narrow lead, but Meyers Taylor delivered the fastest closing performance to secure gold. The victory adds to a career that includes world titles, multiple Olympic podiums, and two comebacks after becoming a mother.
For Meyers Taylor, the achievement marked the final milestone in an already historic career — and her first time hearing the U.S. national anthem played in her honor at the Winter Games.
For more on the Winter Olympics, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.