As American athletes aim for gold medals in northern Italy, one US luger is pursuing a different kind of victory at this year's Winter Olympics. Sophia Kirkby, who has humorously dubbed herself the games' "most eligible bachelorette," has taken to social media to announce her single status ahead of her Olympic debut this month. She promised followers a behind-the-scenes look at dating as an elite athlete in Cortina.
A Unique Olympic Journey
In a video set to Olivia Dean's Grammy-winning song "So Easy (To Fall In Love)," the 24-year-old Olympian wrote, "Watch me try to find dates, go on beautiful little adventures, and maybe... accidentally meet the love of my life." Kirkby, a self-proclaimed "pin trading queen," has been promoting her handmade Olympic-themed pins during the games, adding a personal touch to her experience.
Historic Athletic Achievement
On Wednesday, Kirkby made history in northern Italy by competing alongside teammate Chevonne Forgan in the women's doubles luge competition, marking the first time Americans have participated in this event. This milestone adds to her multifaceted Olympic narrative, blending athletic prowess with personal storytelling.
Dating with a Twist
Since her initial post about seeking dates, Kirkby has revealed she brought handmade cappuccino cups to the games, though she clarified her intentions extend beyond just sharing coffee with fellow Olympians. She wrote, "I'll have my dating profiles activated and I'm open to grabbing a coffee with you the fans," later adding she would trade a pin for a date as well.
Social Media Interactions
Earlier this week, Kirkby shared several direct messages from admirers on social media. One message praised her as an "amazing, wonderful and lovely" dream woman, while another flirtatiously requested a pin for a DJ at an Olympic venue. She also playfully shot her shot with Team USA snowboarder Jake Pates, writing, "I'll take the wheel. Consider it scheduled," and teasing that she heard he was free on Valentine's Day.
Emotional Depth Behind the Smiles
Kirkby has raced with her heart on her sleeve, openly discussing the emotional challenges of her first Olympics. She revealed that neither her mother nor her father would attend the games, with her dad having passed away from prostate cancer in 2024. Ahead of Thursday's luge team relay, she shared that she wrote quotes from both parents on her gloves: "You're My Olympian" from her mom and "I would be overly joyed if you were on the Olympic team and went there" from her dad.
In an Instagram post, she expressed, "Even though neither of my parents could make it to my biggest moments. I still wanted them here in the way that I can control." Although the American team placed fifth in the event, Kirkby shared a Team USA post where she and her fellow lugers smiled proudly, captioning it, "Proud of this team."
Sophia Kirkby's Olympic journey is a testament to how athletes navigate personal and professional realms under the global spotlight, offering a refreshing blend of competition, vulnerability, and human connection.
