Elana Meyers Taylor wins historic first Olympic gold for USA at age 41
Elana Meyers Taylor has claimed her first Olympic gold medal at the age of 41 after victory in the women’s monobob at the Milan Cortina Games.
The American rallied in the fourth and final heat to secure the title with a combined time of three minutes 57.93 seconds.
It ends a long wait for the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympic history, who had previously won three silvers and two bronzes.
Germany’s Laura Nolte took silver, while Meyers Taylor’s compatriot Kaillie Humphries Armbruster secured bronze.
Record-breaking success
Meyers Taylor is now the oldest American woman to ever stand atop the podium at the Winter Games.
The victory brings her total Olympic medal haul to six, tying speed skater Bonnie Blair for the most by a US woman.
The 41-year-old dropped to her knees in tears as the result was confirmed on a frosty night in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Having twice returned to elite competition following the birth of her children, the gold medal completes a glittering resume that already included World Championship and World Cup titles.
A dramatic finale
Nolte held a 0.15-second advantage heading into the decisive final run, with Meyers Taylor sitting in second place.
However, the German slider could not maintain her lead under pressure, eventually finishing behind the American veteran.
Humphries Armbruster, who won the inaugural monobob gold in Beijing four years ago, finished in 3:58.05 to ensure two Americans reached the podium.
Following her run, the bronze medallist celebrated immediately, knowing she had secured her fifth career Olympic medal.
History makers
The event marked a significant milestone for longevity in the sport.
Meyers Taylor and Humphries Armbruster became the first women in their 40s to medal in Olympic bobsleigh history.
Both athletes have now medalled in all five of their Olympic appearances.
Kaysha Love, the reigning world monobob champion for the USA, struggled in her second and fourth runs to finish in seventh place.