The 2002 Winter Olympics bobsleigh competition introduced the first women's Olympic bobsleigh event since the sport began in 1924.
Key Facts
- Number of events
- 3
- Venue
- Utah Olympic Park
- Competition dates
- February 16–23, 2002
- First women's event winner
- Jill Bakken & Vonetta Flowers (USA)
- Heats per competition
- 4
- Last new event added before 2002
- 1932
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Olympic bobsleigh had not added a new event since 1932, and growing participation by women in the sport created momentum for the International Olympic Committee to approve a women's bobsleigh event in time for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Games.
Three bobsleigh events were held at Utah Olympic Park from February 16 to 23, 2002, including the inaugural women's two-man bobsleigh event. Each competition consisted of four heats, with total combined time determining final standings. American duo Jill Bakken and Vonetta Flowers won the first-ever women's Olympic bobsleigh gold medal.
Vonetta Flowers became the first Black athlete to win a Winter Olympics gold medal, drawing widespread attention to the new women's event. The inclusion of women's bobsleigh established a permanent place for female competitors in the sport at future Winter Games.
Result
at Utah Olympic Park