Team USA Bobsledder Kaysha Love Reveals Her One Non-Negotiable Rule Before Racing at 2026 Winter Olympics
New York: As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina begins, Team USA bobsledder Kaysha Love is deep into preparations for what could be the defining moment of her career. While fans often associate bobsled racing with icy conditions and frozen tracks, Love has revealed a surprising but crucial rule she follows before every race — staying as warm as possible.
Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, the 28-year-old Olympian explained that despite racing in sub-zero temperatures, bobsled athletes push their bodies to extreme limits, generating intense heat during competition.
Why Warmth Is Key in Bobsled Racing
“People don’t realise how much we sweat,” Love said, speaking from the U.S. during her training schedule. “Your body is working at maximum capacity.”
According to Love, the warm-up process is not optional — it is essential. Her routine involves layering up heavily before stepping onto the ice. “When we’re warming up, you bundle up as much as you can. Layers on layers. You want your body temperature as high as possible,” she explained.
Feeling warm, she said, helps muscles respond faster and allows athletes to deliver peak performance at the critical moment. “When you feel warm, you’re ready. Your body can give everything,” Love added.
Managing Sweat and Focus on Race Day
With athletes sweating heavily in close team environments, staying comfortable and fresh also becomes part of race-day preparation. Love highlighted the U.S. bobsled team’s partnership with Native, now an official sponsor of the men’s and women’s teams ahead of the Milan-Cortina Games.
“As an athlete, I care about what goes on my body,” Love said. “It helps me stay focused and removes distractions on race day.”
From Gymnastics to Olympic Ice
Love’s journey to the Winter Olympics did not begin on ice. She started gymnastics at age five before transitioning to track and field, competing for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her speed caught the attention of a bobsled coach during the NCAA championships, a common scouting ground for the sport.
“You need power to push a 300-pound sled,” she explained. After a virtual combine, Love joined Team USA and made her Olympic debut at the 2022 Beijing Games.
In 2025, she reached another milestone by becoming Monobob World Champion, strengthening her confidence ahead of the 2026 Olympics.
“I’ve had this Olympic dream since I was seven,” Love said. “Every sport I tried was for that goal.”
Our Thoughts
Kaysha Love’s story highlights how elite sport is often shaped by small but vital details. Her focus on preparation, discipline, and understanding her body reflects the mindset of a true Olympian — one where success is built long before the sled hits the ice.