The Documentary Podcast

Elana Meyers Taylor: A 20-year journey to gold

Mar 29, 2026
Elana Meyers Taylor, American bobsledder and multi-time Olympic medallist who won monobob gold and advocates for diversity and disability rights. She recalls celebrating with her deaf sons using sign language. She talks about juggling elite sport with motherhood, pushing for greater access and representation in winter sports. She also addresses climate change’s impact on bobsleigh and her plans to recruit and support diverse talent.
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ANECDOTE

Practising Signs To Share The Moment

  • Elana prepared sign-language phrases with the deaf community at Gallaudet University so she could explain her win to her sons.
  • She practiced Bobstead signs in video with Stacey so she could sign "champion" to Nico and Noah at the finish.
ADVICE

Lean On A Rapid Support Team

  • Build a support network to combine elite sport with parenting, and lean on partners and helpers when burnout hits.
  • Elana cited her husband flying to Norway and her nanny stepping in when travel and sick kids overwhelmed her.
INSIGHT

Motherhood Reframes Risk And Preparation

  • Competing as a mother reframes risk and priorities: winning matters less than ensuring children's wellbeing.
  • Elana said motherhood made her more risk averse and forced stricter self-care to remain physically available for her sons.
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