Celebrating Achievements
“This recognition reflects the joy of cycling and the community spirit of every woman who has been part of our journey,” said Samra Said, highlighting the importance of community in sports as International Women’s Day approaches.
International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, has gained significant recognition over the years, officially acknowledged by the United Nations in 1977. This year, the focus is on the achievements of female athletes at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Elana Meyers Taylor made headlines by winning her first Olympic gold in Women’s Monobob, adding to her impressive total of six Olympic medals. Her achievements serve as an inspiration, particularly as she balances her role as a mother to two young boys who are both deaf.
Kaillie Humphries also made history at Milano Cortina 2026, winning two bronze medals and solidifying her status as the most successful bobsleigh pilot in Winter Olympic history, with a total of three gold and three bronze medals.
Nadja Pasternack returned to competition post-motherhood, helping her team secure sixth place in the 2-woman event, showcasing the potential for women to excel in sports while managing family responsibilities.
Kelly Curtis, who finished 12th in skeleton, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the balance between elite sport and family life. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) has implemented a maternity leave policy that allows athletes to start families without losing ranking points, further supporting female athletes.
The event also saw the participation of Maja Voigt, who became the first Danish athlete to compete in Olympic bobsleigh at the age of 18, and Nanna Vestergaard Johansen, who made history as the first Danish athlete in Women’s Skeleton.
Additionally, Ashley Nelson, Christania Williams, and Kelsey Mitchell, all brakewomen with prior Summer Olympic experience, contributed to the growing representation of women in winter sports.
As part of the celebrations, Transport for London and Santander Cycles unveiled 10 hire bikes named after inspirational female cyclists, further promoting the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day: “Give to Gain,” which encourages a collaborative mindset for gender equality.
“Giving is not just about financial donation but also knowledge, resources, time, advocacy and more,” a spokesperson noted, emphasizing the multifaceted approach needed to achieve gender equality.
These stories represent just a few of the many women shaping bobsleigh and skeleton today, and as the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day, the achievements of these athletes are a testament to the progress being made in gender equality in sports.
