WALES will be proudly represented at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy (6–22 February), as our very own Adele Nicoll leads a powerhouse British bobsleigh team, joined by rising Cardiff talent Kya Placide and sprint legend Ashleigh Nelson. It’s a story of Welsh grit, speed, and sheer determination — and Wales is ready to cheer them on!
Adele Nicoll — Welshpool’s Olympic trailblazer
(Pictured on right)
Born and raised in Welshpool, Powys, Adele Nicoll is a true Welsh sporting hero. A three-time British shot put champion and multiple Welsh title-holder, Adele made a bold switch to bobsleigh in 2020 and quickly rose through the ranks. After serving as a reserve at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, she now heads to Milano Cortina 2026 to compete in both the monobob and two-woman bobsleigh events — a dream realised for the athlete who grew up throwing shot puts on Welsh fields.
Off the ice, Adele is just as impressive. She studied clinical neuroscience at Cardiff Metropolitan University and completed a doctorate in clinical psychology, showing that brains and brawn go hand in hand. Adele’s journey from Welsh fields to the Olympic bobsleigh track is an inspiration for young athletes across the nation.
Kya Placide — Cardiff’s rising star
(Pictured on left)
Kya Placide was born on 5 October 2004, which makes her 21 years old as we near Milano Cortina 2026. She is proudly Welsh, born and raised in Wales, and competes domestically for Cardiff Athletic Club. Placide began her career in sprinting, winning medals in Welsh and national competitions in events such as the 60 m and 100 m before switching to bobsleigh in 2023 at the age of 19 after being invited into the sport by fellow Welsh athlete Adele Nicoll.
Since stepping into a bobsleigh, her rapid rise has been remarkable. Kya made her international debut shortly after her 19th birthday, going on to win European Cup gold with Adele Nicoll in St Moritz and World Cup silver in Lake Placid — a sensational achievement for someone so new to the sport.
For Milano Cortina 2026, Kya is selected as a travelling reserve for the women’s bobsleigh team, poised and ready to step in if needed and already carrying the pride of Wales on the world stage.
Welsh Pride on the Olympic Ice
From Welsh fields to the icy slopes of Italy, Adele Nicoll, Kya Placide and Ashleigh Nelson embody the spirit of Wales. Adele will compete in the monobob and two-woman bobsleigh, Kya stands ready as a reserve, and Ashleigh brings her sprinting power to the team. Together, they represent courage, determination, and the heart of Welsh sport.
The 2026 Winter Olympics promise a thrilling fortnight of speed, skill, and drama — and Wales has every reason to cheer loudly as our athletes race for glory in Milano Cortina.
