U.S. Bobsledders Aim for Historic Success at Cortina 2026
Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, is set to host the two-woman bobsled competition, beginning Friday, February 20th at Noon ET. The event, a staple of the Winter Olympics since its debut at Salt Lake City 2002 – won by Americans Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers – promises thrilling action and a potential for U.S. Dominance.
Elana Meyers Taylor’s Pursuit of a Seventh Medal
All eyes will be on Elana Meyers Taylor, fresh off her gold medal win in the women’s monobob earlier in the week. This competition offers her the chance to secure a remarkable seventh Olympic medal. She’s already the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history. Meyers Taylor, piloting the No. 6-seeded sled, will be pushed by Jadin O’Brien, a recent convert to bobsled from collegiate track and field, having only begun training in September 2025.
Meyers Taylor’s consistency is noteworthy; she has never missed the Olympic podium in this event, currently holding a bronze medal from a previous Games. Her experience and skill produce her a strong contender for another medal.
Kaillie Humphries Seeks Two-Woman Gold with Team USA
Similarly in contention is Kaillie Humphries, a monobob bronze medalist, who is aiming for her first two-woman gold medal representing the United States. Previously, Humphries achieved Olympic gold in the two-woman event with Canada at both the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 Winter Games. She and Jasmine Jones, making her Olympic debut as a push athlete, are seeded second, having recently won a World Cup race at St. Moritz on January 10th.
Rising Stars and Olympic Debuts
Kaysha Love will make her debut as a pilot, having previously competed as a push athlete at Beijing 2022. She and Azaria Hill are seeded 8th among the 25 participating sleds. This represents an opportunity for a new generation of American bobsledders to make their mark on the Olympic stage.
U.S. Bobsled: A History of Medals
The United States has a strong history in the two-woman bobsled event, securing six medals with four of those attributed to Elana Meyers Taylor. While a gold medal has eluded the U.S. Since the inaugural event in 2002, the current team is poised to challenge for the top spot.
Bobsled Technology and Athlete Training
Modern bobsledding relies heavily on aerodynamic sled design and the physical prowess of the athletes. Push starts are critical, requiring explosive power and precise technique. The role of the push athlete, like Jadin O’Brien, is increasingly important, with heptathletes and other multi-sport athletes finding success in the sport.
The Cortina Sliding Centre
The Cortina Sliding Centre, known for its challenging track, demands precision and skill from the bobsled teams. The track’s curves and straightaways test the athletes’ ability to maintain speed and control.
FAQ
Q: When does the two-woman bobsled competition begin?
A: Friday, February 20th at Noon ET.
Q: Who are the top U.S. Contenders?
A: Elana Meyers Taylor and Kaillie Humphries.
Q: Has the U.S. Won gold in the two-woman bobsled event before?
A: Yes, Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers won gold at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics.
Q: What is the significance of Jadin O’Brien’s background?
A: She is a former collegiate National Champion heptathlete who recently transitioned to bobsled.
Did you know? Elana Meyers Taylor is the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympics history.
Stay tuned for updates on the two-woman bobsled competition and the U.S. Team’s pursuit of Olympic glory. Explore more Olympic coverage on our site for the latest news and results.
