Decorated Winter Sport Legend Set to Offer Insights into Her Journey in the Bluegrass State

Major excellence in female sport is coming to the annual Horse Racing Women’s Association (HRWA) Conference, returning for its fifth year, as event organizers have invited the most decorated Black Winter Olympian in history, Elana Meyers Taylor, to keynote their event, being held October 12-14, 2026. The program will offer attendees the opportunity to network with industry peers, hear from a powerhouse slate of speakers, enjoy a welcome reception, attend educational sessions, and watch an afternoon of racing at Keeneland.

Taylor is an American Olympic bobsledder who has competed in five Olympics (2010–2026), earning six medals. She won gold in women’s monobob at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, where, at age 41, she became the oldest individual Winter Olympic gold medalist, with three silvers and two bronzes. Raised in Douglasville, Georgia, she played college softball at George Washington University before transitioning to bobsled in 2007. A four-time World Champion, she excels as a pilot in two-woman and monobob events.

“Every meaningful opportunity in my life came because someone believed in me, encouraged me, or gave me a chance–a chance I often had to fight for. The medals are great, but the people are what matter most. That's why communities like HRWA are so important–they create those opportunities for others,” said Taylor. “I'm honored to be part of this year's HRWA conference and excited to share my experiences while discussing the power of mentorship, meaningful relationships, and creating opportunities for the next generation of women leaders.”

Taylor will sit down with Britney Eurton, host and reporter at NBC and Prime Video, to explore her experiences balancing Olympic excellence with motherhood, breaking barriers, the journey to the pinnacle of sport, and the people who fueled her along the path to success.

Related Speaker List: Olympic Athlete Speakers

Panel discussions will also include an array of topics aimed at equipping the audience with the tools they need to excel in the Thoroughbred industry:

• Ambition & Agency: Women Navigating and Shaping Racing
• Future Proofing: Technology, AI & the Next Era of Racing
• The Power Network: Mentorship, Sponsorship & Opening Doors

“Each year, the HRWA Conference brings together women from across Thoroughbred racing to learn from one another, build meaningful connections, and inspire the next generation of leaders,” said Jodie Vella-Gregory, HRWA Event Logistics Committee Chair. “This year's program features an exceptional lineup of speakers whose talent, leadership, and innovation are driving our industry forward. They represent just a few of the many remarkable women making an impact across Thoroughbred racing, and their diverse experiences will spark meaningful conversations, new ideas, and lasting connections.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to inspire your audience with an esteemed keynote speaker like Olympic legend Elana Meyers Taylor—Contact Athlete Speakers today for more information, or fill out our Online Booking Request Form. Let us leverage our 25 years of industry-leading experience to secure the perfect sports talent for your next event!