Utah Olympic bobsledder plays role in 2034 bid
Jul 24, 2024, 12:31 PM | Updated: Jul 25, 2024, 6:04 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah Olympic bobsledder is on the team dedicated to bringing the Winter Olympics back to Salt Lake City in 2034.
KSL’s Tamara Vaifanua caught up with bobsledder Kaysha Love – a driving force behind the bid.
Bobsledder Kaysha Love thrives on overcoming fear.
“When I’m standing on that block, I’m like wow I’m scared. To get through a curve smoothly without hitting walls and getting out and thinking wow we did it!”
Love’s trajectory to the sport started at UNLV. Her track and field coach pushed her toward the bobsled track – showcasing her strength and speed.
She earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Bobsled Team for the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing.
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“I didn’t really necessarily know the ropes or what to kind of expect when it came to not only bobsled but like the Olympics,” Love said.
Love is eyeing another shot at the 2026 Games in Milan. This time, as a pilot.
“To have the additional pressure of someone else in the back of my sled is the type of pressure that I thrive off of,” she said.
As she prepares physically and mentally.
“So as a pilot, we don’t get very many reps. I do lots of visualizing,” Love said.
Love said she is proud to be from Utah and is lending her voice to a worthy cause — helping Salt Lake City get the 2034 Olympics.
It’s an easy pitch. Love says we’ve got state-of-the-art facilities, and the community has maintained a strong Olympic spirit.
“Whether it’s within the Olympic development, or whether it’s just within club sports, or just high school, sports, whatever it may be, Utah has the resources to make incredible athletes,” Love said.
Love found her community at Herriman High School.
“To be a part of the four-time state championships bringing Herriman their first championships was honestly a memory that I will never forget and I will always cherish,” she said.
She’d like to add some other core memories, earn her first Olympic medal and give the next generation of athletes a chance to live out their Olympic dreams.
“What a blessing to be able to be a part of the delegation that brings back the games to Utah and then to hopefully represent Utah at home on the ice in 2034,” Love said.