Key Takeaways
- Jadin O’Brien, a former Notre Dame track & field athlete, has been named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Bobsled and Skeleton Team for the two-woman bobsled event.
- O’Brien will compete as a push athlete in the two-woman bobsled event alongside pilot Elana Meyers Taylor.
- She is one of the most decorated track & field athletes in Notre Dame program history, with three NCAA Championships in the pentathlon and two NCAA Runner-Up finishes in the heptathlon.
- The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place in Italy, with the bobsled portion being held at the Cortina Sliding Centre.
Introduction to Jadin O’Brien’s Achievement
Jadin O’Brien, a former Notre Dame track & field athlete, has achieved a remarkable milestone in her athletic career. She has been named to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Bobsled and Skeleton Team for the two-woman bobsled event, as announced by Team USA on Monday. This selection is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and exceptional athletic abilities. O’Brien is one of six athletes to earn a spot on three teams that will compete in Italy next month, and she will compete as a push athlete in the two-woman bobsled event.
Background and Achievements
O’Brien is a native of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and is one of the most decorated track & field athletes in Notre Dame program history. She has an impressive record of achievements, including three NCAA Championships in the pentathlon and two NCAA Runner-Up finishes in the heptathlon. She is a ten-time All-American and two-time Olympic Trials Qualifier in the heptathlon. In 2025, she became the fifth four-time indoor champion in ACC history with her fourth-consecutive pentathlon title. She also became the first combined athlete ever to accomplish the feat of being a four-time indoor ACC champion.
Transition to Bobsled and Selection to the Olympic Team
In September, O’Brien earned a spot on the World Cup team for Team USA, marking her transition to the sport of bobsled. She was part of a fourth-place finish alongside teammate Elana Meyers Taylor at the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation World Cup races in December in Sigulda, Latvia. This experience and her exceptional athletic abilities have led to her selection to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Bobsled and Skeleton Team. O’Brien will compete alongside pilot Elana Meyers Taylor in the two-woman bobsled event, and they are expected to be a formidable team.
Upcoming Winter Olympic Games
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place in Italy, with the bobsled portion being held at the Cortina Sliding Centre. The two-woman official training heats will begin on February 17, and O’Brien and her teammates are ready to compete at the highest level. This is an exciting opportunity for O’Brien to represent the United States and showcase her athletic abilities on the world stage. With her impressive track record and dedication to her sport, she is sure to make a strong impression at the Olympic Games.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
In conclusion, Jadin O’Brien’s selection to the 2026 U.S. Olympic Bobsled and Skeleton Team is a remarkable achievement that showcases her exceptional athletic abilities and dedication to her sport. As she prepares to compete in the Winter Olympic Games, she is sure to face new challenges and opportunities. With her experience and skills, she is well-equipped to succeed in the world of bobsled and make a strong impression at the Olympic Games. As O’Brien continues to pursue her athletic career, she is sure to inspire and motivate others with her achievements and commitment to her sport.