Celebrating Achievements
“This recognition reflects the joy of cycling and the community spirit of every woman who has been part of our journey,” said Samra Said, highlighting the significance of International Women’s Day.
International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, has been recognized by the United Nations since 1977 and serves as a platform to honor women’s achievements across various fields. In 2026, the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics showcased remarkable accomplishments by female athletes, including Elana Meyers Taylor, who won her first Olympic gold in Women’s Monobob.
Kaillie Humphries made history by securing two bronze medals at the event, solidifying her status as the most successful bobsleigh pilot in Winter Olympic history. Meanwhile, Nadja Pasternack returned to competition post-motherhood, helping her team achieve sixth place in the 2-woman event.
Kelly Curtis, balancing elite sport with family life, finished 12th in skeleton, demonstrating the challenges faced by many female athletes. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) has introduced a maternity leave policy, allowing athletes to start families without losing ranking points, further supporting women in sports.
Among the young talents, Maja Voigt made headlines as the first Danish athlete to compete in Olympic bobsleigh at just 18 years old, while Nanna Vestergaard Johansen became the first Danish athlete to compete in Women’s Skeleton at the Olympic Games at the age of 19.
Additionally, Ashley Nelson, Christania Williams, and Kelsey Mitchell, all brakewomen with prior experience in the Summer Olympics, showcased their skills in the Winter Games. The event also saw a gender-balanced jury at Milano Cortina 2026, with several female officials overseeing the competitions.
In a broader celebration of women’s contributions, Transport for London and Santander Cycles unveiled 10 hire bikes named after inspirational female cyclists, coinciding with International Women’s Day. The theme for 2026, “Give to Gain,” promotes a collaborative mindset for achieving gender equality.
As the world reflects on the achievements of women, the call to action is clear: “What will you give to gain gender equality?” This question resonates deeply, emphasizing that giving encompasses knowledge, resources, time, advocacy, and more.
With a total of 150 public nominations submitted for female cycling heroes, the spirit of community and recognition continues to grow, inspiring future generations of women in sports.