Elana Meyers Taylor keeps faith, gets the good news she’s waited for

Three-time Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor got the good news she’s been waiting for on Saturday in Beijing and is cleared to compete in the bobsled competitions after producing two negative COVID-19 tests.

The news is the latest development in what’s been whirlwind journey for Meyers Taylor upon arrival at her fourth Winter Olympics, looking for her fourth consecutive medal in the two-women bobsled (bronze in 2010, silver in 2014 and 2018) and her first appearance in the women’s monobob, which is making its Olympic event debut.

Shortly after traveling to China, she tested positive for COVID-19 on Jan. 29 and was forced to isolate away from husband, Nic Taylor, an alternate on the men’s bobsled team, and 2-year-old son, Nico, both of whom came with her and also tested positive. Then, the Georgia native was chosen as a flag bearer for Team USA alongside curler John Shuster, and in turn presented the honor to speed skater Brittany Bowe, who made headlines last month when she gave up her spot in the 500m to teammate and medal favorite Erin Jackson.

“It’s funny how [my goal] changes,” she shared in a video diary midway through her quarantine. “My goal was to come in here and win two gold medals, but now it’s like, if I can just get to the starting line, I can make good things happen.”

Don’t be fooled – Meyers Thomas has already been making something positive out of what could have been a devastating situation: She found a breast pump, and staff were able to deliver breast milk to Nico, who stayed just two doors down with her father (Nic stayed next door). She also got daily deliveries from family, friends and teammates, including a stationary bike from USA Bobsled and Skeleton.

“They’ve been sending me notes on the track