CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy — Laura Nolte has once again claimed the title of Olympic champion, solidifying her reign as the leading figure in women’s bobsledding. In a thrilling two-woman bobsled final at the Milan Cortina Games on Saturday night, Nolte joined forces with Deborah Levi to secure gold, completing the competition in a combined time of 3 minutes, 48.46 seconds. This victory marks her second consecutive gold medal in the event and her continuation of dominance in the sport, having won her last four World Cup two-woman titles.
Nolte’s teammate Lisa Buckwitz and her partner Neele Schuten took home the silver medal, finishing just behind in 3:48.99. Meanwhile, U.S. competitors Kaillie Humphries Armbruster and Jasmine Jones clinched the bronze, marking Humphries Armbruster’s historic sixth Olympic medal, tying her with Elana Meyers Taylor for the most Olympic medals ever earned by a woman in bobsledding. Their finishing time was 3:49.21, showcasing the resilience of these two athletes, both of whom are mothers.
Humphries Armbruster’s achievement further exemplifies her remarkable career, having transitioned to competing for the U.S. after previously representing Canada. Now, she boasts three golds and three bronzes throughout her Olympic journey. The race was intensely competitive going into the final run, with the battle for bronze closely contested, but Humphries Armbruster’s performance solidified her spot on the podium as she celebrated with her teammate wrapped in the American flag.
The strong performance of U.S. teams in the bobsled has elevated their standing in these Olympics, with a total of three medals, while Germany dominates with six. The success extends to a broader analysis of the sliding sports competition, where Germany leads the medal tally with 17 across bobsled, skeleton, and luge, eclipsing all other nations.
As the competition progresses, especially with the four-man bobsled event on the horizon, Germany looks poised to extend its lead. For Humphries Armbruster and Meyers Taylor, both veteran athletes in their 40s and eager for family expansion, this event might signify the conclusion of their Olympic careers, making their accomplishments all the more significant.
Both athletes have left an indelible mark on the world of sliding sports, and whether or not they continue to compete, they have paved a path for future generations of bobsledders. Their legacies are a reminder of the dedication and spirit required to excel at the highest levels of sport.