In Lake Placid, New York, a unique feature has been introduced for the athletes at the bobsled and skeleton world championships. A family-friendly area has been set up inside a lodge near the finish line, filled with toys, coloring books, and stuffed animals. This designated family space reflects the growing need for such facilities on the competitive sliding circuit.
Notably, four mothers are participating in the championships, which began on Thursday in Lake Placid. The athletes include Kelly Curtis from the U.S.’s skeleton team, Swiss bobsledder Nadja Pasternack, and U.S. bobsledders Elana Meyers Taylor and Kaillie Humphries. It’s believed that this is the largest number of mothers ever competing in these championships, showcasing how women in sports are balancing family life and rigorous athletic schedules.
All four athletes temporarily stepped away from the sport for maternity leave. For example, Elana Meyers Taylor took time off twice, as she is now a mother of two. Recognizing the need to support these athletes, the International Bobsled and Skeleton Federation has made provisions to preserve their world rankings during their absences. This policy ensures a smoother return, allowing them to re-enter World Cup racing without restarting from the bottom of the rankings. As a result, their path to qualify for the next Winter Olympics in February 2026 remains clear and attainable.
Kaillie Humphries, who has made history with three Olympic gold medals in women’s bobsled, expressed a personal goal of returning to the sport post-pregnancy. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could come back,” Humphries stated, challenging the notion that motherhood could end an athlete’s career. Her determination emphasizes a commitment to redefining expectations around motherhood in sports.
The social environment within the bobsled and skeleton community is tightly knit, with athletes traveling the same circuits globally during the winter season. Meyers Taylor, Humphries, and Curtis have spoken about relying on teammates and friends for support as they juggle family responsibilities with their athletic careers. Often, they travel with partners or family members to maintain a support system.
Earlier this year, Meyers Taylor shared on social media about the challenges and decisions involved in bringing her children on the World Cup circuit, especially since both were born deaf, and one also has Down Syndrome. She found peace knowing that her children would experience global travels enveloped in the love and support of her team and the larger bobsled community.
Nadja Pasternack, who went into labor while attending a race in La Plagne, France, returned to competition just 12 weeks postpartum, securing her place in the world championships smoothly. Fellow competitor Laura Nolte from Germany commented on her return, saying, “Back like she never left.”
Elana Meyers Taylor and Kaillie Humphries are currently tied for sixth in the World Cup standings for two-woman bobsled, illustrating their strong comeback. Meyers Taylor also ranked high in the world monobob standings despite skipping the final race of the season to prepare for the world championships. Kelly Curtis, stationed in Italy with the U.S. Air Force and also a recent mother, found her stride later in the season, earning her a spot in the championships.
Motherhood in the sport isn’t a new phenomenon. Kelly Curtis recalls the 2014 Olympics, where U.S. skeleton athlete Noelle Pikus-Pace celebrated a silver medal with her family, inspiring Curtis to take up sliding. The challenges of transitioning back into competition remain significant, especially adapting to new physical and mental dynamics after childbirth.
Yet, regardless of their championship outcomes, the athletes’ children are likely indifferent to wins or losses. Kaillie Humphries speaks to gaining a new perspective on success and fulfillment, profoundly influenced by the journey of motherhood.
Fatherhood presents its own set of challenges. U.S. bobsledder Frank Del Duca openly shares the difficulty of being apart from his child during competitions. He holds deep admiration for fellow competitors Kelly Curtis, Kaillie Humphries, Elana Meyers Taylor, and Nadja Pasternack. Their ability to meet the demands of motherhood while continuing to excel on the global stage reflects their remarkable dedication and strength—a testament to the evolving landscape of women in sports.
