Medals, Motherhood and Mission: The Story of Elana Meyers Taylor
At 41 years of age, United States Olympian Elana Meyers Taylor has become the oldest American woman to win a medal.
It was in the Women’s Monobob where she claimed gold in a dramatic, come-from-behind victory on Monday, edging out Germany’s Laura Nolte by .04 seconds.
Elana has previously competed in four Olympic Games, winning three silver and two bronze medals.
Believe it or not, bobsledding wasn’t the George Washington University graduate’s first choice. Having played competitively in college, she tried out for the Olympic softball team in 2008 and struggled through what she’s characterized as the “worst tryout ever.”
At her mother and father’s urging, Elana turned her attention to the bobsled. Success came quickly. She won a silver medal at the FIBT World Championships in 2009 and was named to the U.S. team for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Elana met her husband, Nic, after he transitioned from running Olympic track to bobsledding. They were married in April 2014.
Elana and Nic have two boys, Nico and Noah. Both are deaf. Nico has Down syndrome.
“Parenting my two sons with disabilities has done everything for me,” she told NBC. “It’s given me patience, it’s given me the drive to keep going, and it’s made me realize that even my worst days on bobsled are better than the worst days as a parent.”
“They mean everything to me, and at the end of the day, if I win medals or lose medals, it doesn’t matter, because I’m still mom to them. I still get to go home and get cuddles.”
Elana also recognizes that it’s not just athletes who sacrifice — but the loved ones of Olympians, too.
“They’ve given everything,” she reflected. “They’re tired. We’ve been in Europe since November 1. They’ve been with me every step of the way.”
“They’re tired, and they’re exhausted, and they just want to go home and play.”
From where does Elana get her patience and perspective?
While growing up around Christian traditions, the Olympian has shared it was difficulties in college and as a young member of Team USA that drew her to various Bible studies. Nic joined her for many of them and together they decided to get baptized before marrying.
At the time of their conversion, Elana reflected, “We know God is using our time here for a purpose. It’s exciting to be able to go through this and think about what stories we’ll share with our (future) kids later, and what will come of all of this …There’s a reason that God has for each of us in the sport. It’s all about serving His purpose.”
We’re not always afforded the luxury of knowing why the Lord does what he does, but we’re sometimes given a hint or glimpse. Elana alluded to that a few years ago when she reflected, “Winning is great and hopefully it gives me a platform to spread His love and spread His Word.”
After winning this past week and seeing Elana hug her children, the world was reminded that every life is sacred, that a disability does not diminish worth or dignity — and that God can accomplish anything with anyone at any time He so chooses.
