Celebrating Women’s Day
“This recognition reflects the joy of cycling and the community spirit of every woman who has been part of our journey,” said Samra Said, highlighting the significance of International Women’s Day.
On March 8, 2026, the world will celebrate International Women’s Day, a day that has been officially recognized by the United Nations since 1977. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” emphasizes the importance of contributions beyond financial support, including knowledge, resources, and advocacy.
At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, female athletes made remarkable strides. Elana Meyers Taylor secured her first Olympic gold in Women’s Monobob, adding to her impressive tally of six Olympic medals. Meanwhile, Kaillie Humphries became the most successful bobsleigh pilot in Winter Olympic history, winning two bronze medals.
Nadja Pasternack made headlines by returning to competition post-motherhood, helping her team secure sixth place in the 2-woman event. This achievement is a testament to the IBSF maternity leave policy, which allows athletes to start families without losing ranking points.
Among the young talents, Maja Voigt became the first Danish athlete to compete in Olympic bobsleigh at just 18 years old, while Nanna Vestergaard Johansen made history as the first Danish athlete to compete in Women’s Skeleton at the Olympic Games at the age of 19.
In addition to the sporting achievements, Transport for London unveiled ten hire bikes named after inspirational female cyclists to honor International Women’s Day, with 150 public nominations submitted for female cycling heroes.
As part of the celebrations, Women at Imperial Week will take place from March 9 to 13, showcasing the achievements of women within the institution and beyond. “We are proud to be a part of Imperial’s diverse community and hope you’ll join us in celebrating the world-changing work that women have done, and continue to do,” stated an Imperial representative.
The number of female officials in the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation (IBSF) has also increased over the past four years, reflecting a growing commitment to gender equality in sports.
These stories represent just a few of the many women shaping bobsleigh and skeleton today, as the world prepares to celebrate their achievements on International Women’s Day 2026.
