Valor Alum Sadie McMullen Is Training for the Winter Olympics

Sadie McMullen '20 is on the USA Women's Bobsled team and is aiming for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Sadie always dreamed of going to the Olympics but as a track star. She received a scholarship to run track and field at the University of Wyoming. During her final season, her coach encouraged her to attend an open combine hosted by the USA Bobsled team. He thought she was exactly who they were looking for -- and he was right! After lots of training camps, Sadie was picked for the Bobsled World Cup Team.
"Being a former track athlete has helped since bobsledders have to be fast and strong," Sadie tells us, "since the sled weighs 280 pounds." Sadie is the brakeman which means it is her job to achieve the fastest start possible. Alongside the pilot, she pushes the sled at full speed for about the first 45 meters down a sloped hill. Then, the pilot steers the sled down the rest of the track. At the end, it's her responsibility to pull the brakes during the braking stretch. She is hoping to become skilled enough through her training to become a pilot.

She has competed in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Norway. Sadie is training with the USA Bobsled team in Lake Placid while finishing her master's degree in Biomechanics. She would love it if you would pray for health, the team and that the Glory of God would be honored above all else. She would also love for you to follow her on Instagram. Good luck, Sadie, and go U.S.A!