Sydney Milani's Journey with the USA Bobsled Team to the 2026 Olympics

Sydney Milani’s journey to representing Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics is special. From growing up on a farm in Iowa to crushing state records in track (all in one meet) to becoming an All-American sprinter at The University of Alabama, she landed a spot on the USA Bobsled Team.

We caught up with her to learn more about her mindset, goals, and approach to winning.

You were recruited to try out for the USA bobsledding team while running track at Bama. What did you originally think about the idea and what was that transition like once you decided to go for it

Syd: I originally was very unenthused by the idea. I already had plans to move into a coaching job and I didn’t think I could love anything more than track. But once I tried out and it went well, my transition was fairly smooth as most of the training for track is very similar to bobsled.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome in chasing your dream?

Syd: There are two extremely hard things to overcome in chasing the Olympic dream. One, there is very little funding and recourses for a team USA athlete. We really struggle to get everything we need to represent this country. Secondly, no one is going to understand how competitive and sacrificial you have to be to pursue this. It is truly lonely and difficult to have an off switch. There is no separating your personal life from your work life. everything you do in one, affects the other because I take my job personally. It is both my greatest weakness and greatest strength.

How do you create the capacity needed to achieve your big goal?

Syd: I create the capacity needed to achieve my goals by surrounding myself with people who elevate me. Close friends, family, and sponsors such as Haven, make it possible. A lot of pressure comes with competing for your country but I never have to fear what’s in front of me because I know who’s behind me.

What does it mean to you to Flourish?

Syd: Flourishing to me means relentless pursuit and continuously discovering your vast capacity for greatness.

We're stoked to support Sydney in her push to the olympics, you can follow her World Cup travels and Olympic journey here!