Words by Smiley Team
On the ice slopes, Olympic bobsleigh medallists Kaillie Humphries and Elana Meyers Taylor have long been competitors. However, outside the games, the pair have become a united force for gender equality.
For four consecutive games, the Olympians have battled it out for medals, with Kaillie winning gold and Elana winning silver in the first-ever monobob event for women held at the Winter Olympics in Beijing.
The fact they could compete in this one-person race is a victory for them both because at last, the Olympics offers two events for women, which was previously only the case for men.
"It’s absolutely huge," said Elana. "To be able to have two opportunities to medal now, that’s a game-changer. Now we’re more on par with the men."
[Read more positive news about initiatives working towards a safer, healthier and greener world]
But neither Kaille nor Elana are satisfied that this is enough. "This is a huge step forward. By no means do I think we're done," Kaillie added.
At present men compete in two-man and four-man events and women can join two-woman and monobob events. Their next goal is to introduce a four-woman bobsleigh race so that women get the chance to compete at the same level as men.
Kaillie wants men to compete in the monobob competition too, explaining that it frustrates her to hear people say they think women are not skilled, fast or strong enough to compete in a four-person sleigh.
Only 10% of girls aged 13 to 16 do the recommended 60 minutes of exercise every day, according to campaign group Women In Sport. This makes it all the more vital for young people to see prominent female sports heroes in international games.
DONATE: To see sports opened up to more women and girls, donate to Women In Sport.
GET INVOLVED: To help drive gender equality in sport, become a supporter of Women In Sport.
