After years of podium finishes and near-misses, Elana Meyers Taylor has finally captured the one prize that had eluded her: Olympic gold.
The 41-year-old American bobsledder won the women's monobob event on Day 10 of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, securing her first Olympic gold medal at her fifth Olympic Games. The victory not only marked a personal milestone, but also cemented her place in U.S. Winter Olympics history.
For more than a decade, Meyers Taylor has been one of Team USA's most consistent and decorated athletes. But until Monday, gold had remained just out of reach.
The Long Road to Gold
Heading into Milan-Cortina, Meyers Taylor had already amassed five Olympic medals - three silvers and two bronzes - across previous Games. She had established herself as one of the most accomplished women in bobsled history, yet the top step of the podium had remained missing from her résumé.
That changed in the monobob event, where she delivered a commanding performance to claim gold.
Germany's Laura Nolte finished with silver, while fellow American Kaillie Humphries earned bronze.
With the victory, Meyers Taylor extended her record as the most decorated woman in Olympic bobsled history, bringing her career total to six Olympic medals.
Making History at 41
Meyers Taylor's achievement carries historical significance beyond the medal itself.
With six Olympic medals, she now ties speed skating legend Bonnie Blair as the most decorated female U.S. Winter Olympian. The win also makes her the oldest Winter Olympic gold medalist in an individual event, according to NBC Olympics.
Competing - and winning - at 41 years old in a sport that demands explosive power, precision, and mental toughness underscores the longevity of her career.
Five Olympic appearances in bobsled is a rarity. Winning gold at the fifth attempt makes her journey even more remarkable.
The Challenge of Monobob
The women's monobob is a relatively new Olympic discipline, requiring athletes to race solo rather than with a teammate.
Unlike the two-woman event, where responsibilities are shared, monobob places every aspect of the run - from the initial push to the final steering adjustments - entirely on one competitor.
For a veteran athlete like Meyers Taylor, the event represented both a new opportunity and a significant test.
She met the challenge with precision and composure, securing the fastest combined time and sealing the long-awaited victory.
A Career Defined by Persistence
Meyers Taylor's Olympic journey began more than a decade ago. Over multiple Games, she consistently reached the podium but faced fierce competition from some of the sport's most dominant programs.
Through injuries, evolving competition formats, and the physical demands of elite training, she remained a central figure for Team USA.
Her gold medal in Milan-Cortina transforms her legacy from one of sustained excellence to one of ultimate triumph.
Instead of being remembered solely for repeated podium finishes, she now joins the ranks of American Olympic champions - and does so while sharing a historic record with Bonnie Blair.
A Defining Moment for Team USA
Meyers Taylor's gold medal was one of the headline moments for the United States on Day 10 of the Winter Olympics. Her victory adds momentum for Team USA as the Games continue, including a women's hockey team that has advanced to the gold medal match.
But for Meyers Taylor, Monday's race represents something more personal.
After five Olympic appearances, years of preparation, and countless runs down the track, she finally stood at the top of the podium.
At 41, Elana Meyers Taylor didn't just win gold - she completed her Olympic story in historic fashion.
