Five-time Olympian Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, is preparing for the Winter Games while navigating the unique challenges of raising two young children with special needs. Just weeks after a dangerous crash, she reflects on how motherhood has shifted her priorities – making her more cautious, but no less driven.
The Balancing Act: Family First
Taylor openly admits that competing at an elite level alongside full-time parenting is “chaotic.” Her husband, Nic Taylor, travels frequently for his work as a conditioning coach, leaving her largely responsible for their sons Nico, 5, and Noah, 3. While she has the support of a nanny who understands the demands of elite athletics, Taylor remains the primary caregiver. This reality has forced her to re-evaluate risk: “You start to think about what this is going to be like in 10 years… Is my body going to be able to run around with them?”
The athlete’s perspective is particularly striking because her children face significant health hurdles. Nico was diagnosed with Down syndrome and hearing loss shortly after birth, spending weeks in the NICU. Noah also has bilateral hearing loss. Taylor emphasizes that these challenges have instilled a new level of patience and acceptance: “You have to let things go… with kids, you have to.”
Navigating Early Medical Challenges
The family’s initial experience with Nico was intense. Born via C-section just before the pandemic lockdowns, he required immediate neonatal care and faced a daunting diagnosis. Taylor candidly describes the heartbreak of leaving her newborn on life support: “You think you’re going to take your baby home the next day after delivery… instead, we wound up leaving him behind, on air and feeding tubes.”
Despite the difficult start, Taylor and Nic embraced Nico’s diagnosis without hesitation. They sought support from organizations like Gigi’s Playhouse, connecting with other parents who offered practical and emotional guidance. This network proved invaluable as they navigated further complexities.
Cochlear Implants and Communication
Both boys were eventually fitted with cochlear implants—devices that bypass damaged parts of the ear to send sound directly to the auditory nerve. While controversial within the Deaf community, Taylor and Nic chose this path alongside American Sign Language (ASL) to provide their sons with the broadest range of communication options.
The decision wasn’t without stress. Noah’s implant required revision surgery, adding further strain during Taylor’s Olympic preparation. However, she underscores that her children’s well-being always takes precedence: “At the end of the day, it’s more important that he has those cochlear implants that are working than it is for me to go to the Olympics.”
Finding Focus Amidst Chaos
Taylor acknowledges that motherhood has fundamentally changed her approach to competition. She’s less willing to push boundaries, prioritizing longevity and the ability to stay active with her children. Yet, she remains fiercely dedicated to her sport, describing the adrenaline rush of bobsledding as a rare form of “me time.”
The athlete’s story highlights the sacrifices and resilience required to balance elite athletics with the demands of raising children with special needs. Ultimately, she believes that motherhood has not only challenged her, but also made her stronger, more focused, and more grounded.
“Everybody talks about a mother’s instinct, but this kind of stuff does not come naturally to anybody.”
