Elana Meyers Taylor is a five-time Olympic medalist and the most decorated Black athlete in Winter Olympic history. The Team USA bobsledder captured her first Olympic gold in monobob at the Milan Cortina Games, adding to a résumé that already included three silver medals and two bronze medals.
Off the track, she shares her life with husband Nic Taylor and their two sons, who are often seen cheering her on at competitions. Here’s what you need to know.
1. Elana Meyers Taylor Won Gold in a Nail-Biting Monobob Finish
Meyers Taylor entered her final monobob run in silver-medal position but delivered under pressure. She finished with a combined time of 3:57.93, edging Germany’s Laura Nolte by just 0.04 seconds to secure gold.
Before the competition, she told NBC News, “My nickname for people who know me most is E-Money. I’m money under pressure.”
The victory marked her first Olympic gold after years of podium finishes in two-woman bobsled and a previous monobob silver. Through two Olympic Games featuring monobob, Team USA has claimed four of the six medals awarded.
2. Elana Meyers Taylor and Nic Taylor Met Through Team USA
Elana met Nic Taylor in 2011 while interning for the U.S. Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. According to USA Today, Nic called about paperwork, and Elana answered the phone. The connection grew from there.
They later met at a training center, began dating, got engaged in 2013 and married in 2014. Nic also competed in bobsled and served as an alternate for Team USA at the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics.
3. Nic Taylor Is a Former Olympian With Advanced Degrees
Nic attended City College of San Francisco before transferring to California State University, Northridge, where he competed in track and field. After graduation, he transitioned into bobsled.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and engineering, a master’s degree in exercise science, and earned a doctorate in chiropractic therapy from Life University in 2021.
His background in sports performance and health has complemented his wife’s elite athletic career.
4. Elana Meyers Taylor Is a Mother of Two Sons
The couple welcomed their first son, Nico, in February 2020. Nico was diagnosed with Down syndrome and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Two years later, they welcomed Noah, who was born deaf.
Elana often brings both boys to competitions. She told Olympics.com, “You can’t have team drama when the two of them are around, especially Noah, because he’s running around all the time. As soon as somebody starts to have a conversation with you, he’s off. He’s taken off. So somebody’s got to chase him. They’re constantly releasing everybody’s positive neurotransmitters, having them around, interacting with them, and everything.”
She added, “They’re constantly releasing everybody’s positive neurotransmitters, having them around.”
5. Faith Plays a Central Role in Meyers Taylor’s Career
Meyers Taylor has spoken openly about her Christian faith and how it shapes her outlook.
“One of the big reasons I was put in bobsled is to help people not only reach their goals but come to Christ,” she said. “God put me here for a specific reason, and I don’t think it’s just to win medals.”
She continued, “At the end of the day, I’m in this sport to glorify God, so if that means I come in last place, or I win the gold medal, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Elana Meyers Taylor’s Husband & Family: Five Fast Facts You Need to Know