Nationwide — After winning her 5th medal, Elena Meyers Taylor has officially become the most decorated Black athlete in the nearly 100-year history of the Winter Olympics. Even more impressive is that she managed to achieve the feat after recovering from a bout with COVID-19.
Taylor’s recent win adds to the Olympic medals she has previously taken home in 2010, 2014, 2018, and at the inaugural 2022 monobob event. Aside from making Black history with her accomplishments, she has also made women’s history as the most decorated female bobsledder ever and also the most decorated U.S. bobsledder of any gender in history.
Moreover, the 5-time Olympian was supposed to be the Opening Ceremony flag bearer for Team USA but was unable to attend after testing positive for COVID-19. She quickly recovered, competed, and won two medals in the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Taylor will still be able to be Team USA’s flag bearer in the Closing Ceremony as she was elected by her fellow athletes.
Taylor said she “was so honored to be named the Opening Ceremony flag bearer, but after not being able to carry the flag, it’s even more humbling to lead the United States at the Closing Ceremony,” according to People.
“Congratulations to my fellow Team USA athletes on all their success in Beijing — I’m looking forward to carrying the flag with my teammates by my side and closing out these Games.”
Taylor, who is 37-years old, is also reportedly the oldest American woman to win a Winter Olympics medal.