USA Bobsled & Skeleton Press Release
(Sept. 18, 2019) – Elana Meyers Taylor (Douglasville, Ga.) has accumulated a long list of titles and accolades throughout her career like three-time Olympic medalist, two-time World Champion, and winner of 44 World Cup medals. She’s getting a new title in March: Mom. Meyers Taylor will be taking the 2019-2020 season off so that she and husband Nic Taylor can prepare to welcome their first child.
“It was always my dream to win two gold medals in the 2022 Olympics and place them around the neck of our child,” Meyers Taylor said. “When we were told by doctors that this might not be possible, I put all my efforts into winning two gold medals in 2022. However, they were wrong and now I have the chance to live this dream. We are excited for our little miracle.”
Meyers Taylor and Taylor were married in April 2014, and Meyers Taylor calls Taylor her “ultimate teammate.” He’s been a member of her four-man crew in international races, helps take care of her equipment, prepares meals, and makes sure Meyers Taylor has what she needs to perform at her best. The pair met in 2011 through bobsled. Taylor proposed to Meyers Taylor in 2013 on the World Championship podium in St. Moritz, Switzerland, where Meyers Taylor received gold.
“I was honored and thrilled for Elana when she shared this news with me personally,” said USA Bobsled/Skeleton Chairman Emeritus and Interim CEO. “Although we will miss her competing for her podium spots this season, we fully support Elana as she takes the time she needs for her family. Nothing is more important, and we wish her and Nic all the happiness in the world. USABS will welcome Elana back when she is ready to once again take on the world as she battles for the top spot in each of her future races.”
Meyers Taylor plans on staying involved with USA Bobsled as an Athlete Advisory Committee representative. She also hopes to provide coaching and recruitment assistance to the team.
Meyers Taylor said she remains committed to training and “returning better than ever in time for the U.S. to host the 2021 World Championships in Lake Placid, N.Y.”
“Fortunately I’ve had great examples of moms that have competed within sliding sports like Noelle Pikus-Pace and Vonetta Flowers to show me what is possible,” Meyers Taylor said. “Great athletes like Alysia Montaño, Allyson Felix, and so many others have fought for the right to compete and be mothers and I wouldn’t have the courage to dream this dream without them. And if our child is blessed enough to have his mother’s hands and his father’s speed, who knows, we may be producing another bobsled Olympian for the 2042 Olympics!”
