Calgary Luge Duo Podulsky and Allan Forge Unbreakable Bond on Olympic Journey
For Calgary athletes Beattie Podulsky and Kailey Allan, close quarters have become a way of life both on and off the luge track. The doubles luge partners, who began their partnership just over a year ago, have developed an inseparable friendship that they believe will propel them toward Olympic success at the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina, Italy.
From Strangers to Sled-Mates
The 22-year-old Podulsky from Cougar Ridge and 21-year-old Allan from Redwood Meadows barely knew each other before teaming up for the World Cup circuit last season. "We knew who each other was, but I don't think we had said more than a sentence to each other," Podulsky revealed. "Now all of a sudden, we're like, 'I can't imagine what life was like without her.'"
Their rapid bonding occurred naturally through constant proximity during training and competition. "We became really good friends really fast, because we were just automatically living together on the circuit," Allan explained. "And you kind of just really get to know a person very quickly when that happens."
Synergy On and Off the Track
The National Sport School graduates discovered they share numerous personality traits and interests that have strengthened their partnership:
- Both are loud, energetic, and outgoing individuals
- They share a passion for animals and the outdoors
- Their love for traveling the world aligns perfectly with their athletic careers
Their chemistry has become so apparent that teammates and competitors have taken notice. "People look at us like we're an old married couple," Allan said with amusement. "We bounce off each other a lot, and it just escalates into funny moments—like play-fighting kind of situations."
Strengthening Their Bond Through Shared Adventures
During the off-season, the pair chose to vacation together in a minivan, traveling through New Zealand and Fiji. This unconventional trip further solidified their connection. "It was just the front two seats and a bed in the back," Podulsky described of their mobile accommodations.
Their closeness has reached a point where separation feels unnatural. "We were apart for almost three weeks in the summer," Allan recalled. "And we were like, 'This is weird. You're too far away.'" Podulsky echoed this sentiment, noting that extended time apart simply "felt weird."
Olympic Aspirations in a New Discipline
As women's doubles luge makes its Olympic debut in 2026, Podulsky and Allan recognize that their unique partnership could provide the competitive edge needed for medal contention. Their journey represents more than athletic preparation—it's the cultivation of a synergistic relationship where personal connection enhances professional performance.
The Calgary natives have transformed from casual acquaintances into what Podulsky describes as "two peas in a pod—both literally and figuratively." As they continue training in Whistler, British Columbia, and competing on the World Cup circuit, their evolving friendship remains central to their Olympic ambitions, proving that sometimes the strongest athletic partnerships are built on genuine personal connection.
