Kim Meylemans: From German Roots to Belgium’s Skeleton Pioneer at Milano Cortina 2026
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, 13 February 2026 — As the sliding events at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics reach their peak, all eyes are on Kim Meylemans. The Belgian skeleton racer, who entered these Games as the reigning World Cup overall champion, is currently navigating the high-pressure final heats at the Cortina Sliding Centre. Today’s competition marks a defining moment for the athlete who transitioned from a German youth prospect to Belgium’s most successful winter sports export in the modern era.
The Road to Milano Cortina 2026
Meylemans arrived in Italy this month carrying the momentum of a historic 2025/2026 IBSF World Cup season. Having secured 1,243 points to claim her first-ever overall World Cup title, she entered the Olympic cycle as a primary medal contender. Her recent form has been bolstered by back-to-back European Championship gold medals in 2024 and 2026, cementing her status as the dominant force in European skeleton.
Despite her World Cup success, the Olympic track in Cortina has proven a unique challenge. Training reports from earlier this week suggested Meylemans struggled to find her ideal line during Monday’s sessions on 9 February, while rivals such as Britain’s Tabitha Stoecker and Germany’s Jacqueline Pfeifer set the pace. However, as the final runs commence today, 13 February, Meylemans remains within striking distance of the podium.
A Career of Firsts
Born on 7 March 1996 in Amberg, Germany, Meylemans initially pursued football before a battle with asthma led her to the sliding track. While she began her career representing Germany, she made the pivotal decision to switch her allegiance to Belgium in 2014.
Olympic Milestones
- PyeongChang 2018: Meylemans became the first Belgian skeleton athlete to participate in the Olympic Games, finishing in 14th place.
- Beijing 2022: She improved her standing and secured an Olympic Diploma, a goal she had set publicly during her preparation.
- Milano Cortina 2026: Entering her third Games, her stated objective is to bring home Belgium’s first-ever Olympic medal in skeleton.
The “Valentine’s Day” Rivalry
One of the most compelling human-interest stories of these Games involves Meylemans and her partner, Nicole Silveira. Silveira, who represents Brazil, is also competing in the women’s skeleton event. With the final heats concluding today and tomorrow, 14 February, the pair have been dubbed the “two wives” of the Olympic track.
The couple has been vocal about the unique nature of their relationship in a high-stakes environment. Speaking to reporters ahead of today’s runs, they noted that because skeleton is an individual sport against the clock rather than a head-to-head race, they are able to support each other’s technical progress while remaining fierce competitors on the ice.
Technical Profile and Career Statistics
Meylemans is known for her explosive start and her ability to maintain aerodynamic stability under high G-forces. Her transition to Belgium was not merely a change of flag but a catalyst for the development of winter sports infrastructure in her adopted home.
| Metric/Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 7 March 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Amberg, Bavaria (GER) |
| Representing | Belgium (since 2014) |
| World Cup Overall Title | 2025/2026 Season Winner |
| European Championships | Gold (2024, 2026) |
| Olympic Appearances | 2018, 2022, 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Kim Meylemans German or Belgian?
Kim Meylemans was born in Germany and began her career in the German system. However, she has represented Belgium since 2014 and was the first athlete to represent the nation in skeleton at the Olympic level.
Who is Kim Meylemans’ partner?
She is in a relationship with Nicole Silveira, a Brazilian skeleton racer. Both are competing against each other in the women’s skeleton event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
What are her best results?
Prior to the 2026 Olympics, her career highlights include winning the 2025/2026 World Cup overall title and securing gold at the European Championships in both 2024 and 2026.
How did she do in the 2026 Olympic training?
During the official training sessions on 9 February 2026, Meylemans reportedly faced some difficulties matching the times of the British and German sliders, though she remains a top-seeded competitor for the final heats.