Elana Meyers Taylor is a devout Christian whose faith is a central pillar of her life, family, and historic athletic career. The highly decorated U.S. Olympic bobsledder—who made headlines as the oldest U.S. female athlete to win a Winter Olympic gold medal—consistently highlights her relationship with Jesus Christ as her primary source of purpose and motivation.
Key aspects of her faith journey include:
Her Spiritual Purpose: Meyers Taylor has frequently shared her core philosophy that her presence in elite sports serves a higher calling. She famously stated, "God put me here for a specific reason and I don't think it's just to win medals. At the end of the day, I'm in this sport to glorify God...".
Deepening her Faith: Though raised around Christian traditions, she grew closer to God during college while overcoming personal struggles with depression and an eating disorder. She and her husband, fellow bobsledder Nicolas Taylor, chose to be baptized together in 2013 prior to getting married.
Faith and Family: As a mother of two sons who are deaf (including her eldest, Nico, who has Down syndrome), she openly balances the intense demands of motherhood and elite competition. She views these experiences through a spiritual lens, trusting that God uses both triumphs and trials for a divine plan.
Athletic Community: She serves as a leader and mentor within the bobsled community, collaborating with sports ministries to cultivate a supportive space where athletes can explore their faith and encounter Christ.
Team Bonds: Her faith also plays an essential role in her competitive edge. Her two-woman bobsled partner, Jadin O'Brien, has noted that their shared Christian faith strengthens their trust, alleviates high-stakes pressure, and serves as an "extra tool" on the ice.
