Born: 1985 (Calgary, Canada)
Biography:
Kaillie Humphries, born Kaillie Simundson on September 4, 1985, is a Canadian and American bobsledder who has made a significant impact in the world of sports. With an impressive list of accomplishments and a trailblazing spirit, Humphries has become a prominent figure in women’s history.
Humphries began her journey towards greatness in Calgary, where she was born to parents Cheryl and Ray Simundson. At the age of 7, she set a lofty goal for herself after handling the gold medal of an Olympic swimmer – she wanted to win a gold medal of her own. This determination led her to take up ski racing, and by the age of 14, she was named to the Canadian national development team. Throughout her early years, she attended the National Sport School in Calgary, honing her skills and preparing for the challenges that lay ahead.
However, Humphries faced a significant setback at the age of 16 when she suffered separate crashes that resulted in both of her legs being broken. Despite this devastating setback, she refused to let it define her. In 2002, she embarked on a new chapter in her athletic career and began her journey in bobsledding as a brakewoman. Her raw talent and determination quickly caught the attention of the Canadian team, and she became an alternate for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino.
Humphries faced a pivotal moment in her career when she had the opportunity to represent the United Kingdom, the home country of her then-fiancé, at the 2006 Olympics. However, she made the decision to remain loyal to Canada and pursue her dreams with the Canadian team. Her dedication paid off, as she secured a spot on the roster after attending a bobsled driving school and honing her skills behind the wheel.
In the years that followed, Humphries continued to make her mark on the sport. She achieved a remarkable feat in 2010, when she became the Olympic champion in the two-woman bobsled event, representing Canada. This victory solidified her place in history and propelled her into the international spotlight. She followed up this success by defending her Olympic title in 2014, making her the first female bobsledder to achieve this remarkable feat. Additionally, she was honored with the role of flagbearer for the Olympic closing ceremony alongside her brakewoman, Heather Moyse.
Continuing to break barriers and push boundaries, Humphries made history as one of the first women to pilot a mixed-gender team in a four-person bobsled competition. She also became the first woman to drive an all-female team against men in a four-person World Cup bobsled race. Her achievements showcased her tenacity and determination to create change and pave the way for future generations of female athletes.
In 2019, Humphries made the difficult decision to switch her allegiance and begin representing the United States. Alleging abuse and harassment from the Canadian bobsled federation, she sought a fresh start and new opportunities. This change proved to be a turning point in her career, as she went on to win three IBSF World Championship medals for Team USA in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. These achievements solidified her status as a five-time world champion and the most decorated woman in bobsled history.
Humphries continued to make history at the 2021 IBSF World Championships, where she swept both the two-woman and monobob events, becoming the first female bobsledder to claim a double world title. Her remarkable achievements were a testament to her skill, determination, and unwavering spirit.
In February 2022, Humphries competed in the Beijing Winter Olympics, representing the United States after becoming a naturalized citizen a few months earlier. She made history once again, winning gold in the monobob event. This victory marked her as the first woman in Olympic history to win gold medals for two different countries and the first person to achieve Olympic gold for both the United States and Canada.
Humphries’ accomplishments and indomitable spirit have cemented her place as a trailblazer in women’s sports. Her dedication to her craft, resilience in the face of adversity, and unwavering pursuit of excellence have left an enduring legacy in the world of bobsledding and beyond.
Awards:
– 2010 Olympic champion in the two-woman bobsled
– 2014 Olympic champion in the two-woman bobsled
– 2018 Olympic bronze medalist in the two-woman bobsled
– 2020 IBSF World Championship medalist for Team USA
– 2021 IBSF World Championship medalist for Team USA
– Five-time world champion in bobsled
– First female bobsledder to defend her Olympic title
– First woman to drive an all-female team against men in a four-person World Cup bobsled race
– First female bobsledder to win a double world title