Getting to Know Elana Meyers - 2010 Olympic Bronze Medalist of the US Bobsled Team

Written by Empress Magazine /// Find in Interviews

Not many young black women grow up with dreams of becoming a Bobsledder, or winning a medal in Bobsledding at the Olympics, neither did Elana Meyers. But, by the age of 26, Elana has won a Bronze Medal with the US Bobsled team in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Growing up an avid softball player with dreams of making it to the Olympics one day, Elana experienced a major set back when Softball was axed out of the Summer Olympics. Instead of giving up on her Olympic dreams, Elana found another way to make her dreams come true, by picking up another sport- Bobsledding. After hard work and determination, Elana was able to make her dreams come true in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Empress sat down with Elana do discuss her journey, obstacles and success as a black woman in the sport. She is a living testament of where defying cliche expectations and following a dream no matter what roadblocks can take you.

How did you get involved in Bob Sledding?

I grew up playing softball, I went to college playing softball and I played softball professionally, and always had a dream of playing in the Olympics.  However, softball was taken out of the Olympics in 2007 so I had to find another sport if I wanted to still pursue my dream.  My mom saw bobsled in the Olympics and suggested I try it.  I then sent an email to a coach and got invited to tryout.

What is your racial background?

Technically- I'm Black/White/Hispanic- but I consider myself Black.  My official background is Jamaican Columbian Italian Panamanian- so I'm pretty mixed.

Was it hard being "different" growing up and in your sport?

It was definitely hard being "different" growing up playing softball and now in bobsled.  In softball, especially in Georgia, it was a world where there weren't many faces that looked like mine.  I often felt isolated on teams- and often was asked why I wasn't playing basketball.  Additionally, things would occur that my teammates just couldn't relate to- whether it was being called the "n" word by someone in school, or not getting awards because of your race, my teammates never had those problems which isolated me even more.  In both sports, I've even had teammates and opponents want to "feel my hair" and I've had the discussion of explaining the difference between my hair and the hair of my teammates many times!  I love my racial background and despite all the struggles, I'm glad I was "different" (although I hope more and more black young girls choose to play softball and bobsled).

How has your life changed since winning at the Olympics?

My life has changed quite a bit!  I'm still the same person- I just get a lot more attention now and I get invited to some pretty cool events.  I've been able to speak with a lot of youth and do a lot of different events, which has been a blessing.  I've been told I've had quite the impact on some, which I hope to- as I want to use my medal and what I've accomplished to inspire others: I didn't win the medal on my own, the least I can do is give back and I try to as much as I can- so life has gotten pretty hectic!  But I'm having a blast!

After the Olympics, are there still bobsled tournaments you can participate in? If so how many per year?

Yes!  Every year we compete in about 8 races all over North America and Europe and then World Championships.  In Olympic year- the only thing that changes is we compete in the Olympics instead of World Championships.   This season I'll be racing in Jr World Championships, which we will actually host in Park City, Utah.

What do you feel was the hardest obstacle for you to overcome in order to be on the Olympic team?

Injury.  The Olympics only come around once every four years and it's very difficult to make sure everything is perfect for all those years of training for that one time to shine.  Most of this year I was injured, which greatly hampered my ability to make the Olympic team- but I was able to push through my injury and make the team, but if the injury was too bad, I would've missed it and would have had to wait another four years for that chance again.  Injuries are not something you can avoid or control, so it's difficult.

Are there any other sports you are involved in?

In high school I played basketball and soccer and also ran track.  I've always loved football as my father played professionally, but I don't compete in anything aside from bobsled nowadays.

Did you face a lot of racism while in this sport?

I didn't face any racism in basketball, soccer, or track, but a huge reason for that is probably because these are the sports that we're "expected" to compete in.  All growing up, I was always supposed to be the fastest and be able to jump the highest just because the color of my skin- so people thought I "should" be playing basketball and running track.

What do you do for fun? or to relax?

I love to read, a variety of books but a lot of nonfiction. I love to cook, dance, and play games on my iphone. Most of all however, nothing can quite compare to rolling the windows down in my car on a warm spring day and belting out tunes as I drive. I love going to the beach (although I rarely can). Sitting around drinking coffee and talking about everything from politics to celebrity gossip is always a great addition to any day.

Learn More about Elana on www.elanameyers.com