St. Moritz, Italy – Kim Meylemans of Belgium is competing in the third run of the women’s skeleton event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, with a medal still within reach. The competition takes on added significance as it falls on Valentine’s Day, a date made even more special as Meylemans is competing alongside her wife, Nicole Silveira of Brazil.
Meylemans, 29, entered the Games as a strong contender, having finished the 2025-26 World Cup season as the first Belgian athlete to claim the overall crystal globe in skeleton. She secured six podium finishes in seven races during the season, demonstrating consistent high performance. This success builds on her achievements in recent years, including becoming the first Belgian skeleton European champion on February 2, 2024, at a World Cup race in Sigulda, Latvia, and winning a silver medal at the 2024 Skeleton World Championships in Winterberg, Germany.
A Season of Firsts for the Belgian Skeleton Racer
The 2025-26 season was a breakthrough year for Meylemans. In December 2024, she celebrated her first victory on the World Cup circuit in Altenberg, Germany. Prior to that, her best World Cup finish had been a second-place result at Sigulda, Latvia, also in 2024, achieved while simultaneously winning the European championship. Her consistent performance culminated in her historic overall World Cup victory, a first for Belgium in Women’s Skeleton. She achieved three World Cup victories during the season: two in Sigulda, Latvia, and one in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
A Unique Olympic Story: Spouses as Rivals
What makes this Olympic appearance particularly unique is the presence of both Meylemans and Silveira, who married less than six months ago. The couple are competing against each other in the demanding sport of skeleton, adding an emotional layer to the already high-stakes competition. Silveira, 31, is representing Brazil in the event. The dynamic of being both spouses and rivals has drawn significant attention, with media outlets highlighting their story as Valentine’s Day sweethearts competing on the world stage.
Meylemans’ Journey to the Olympics
Meylemans’ path to the Olympics is a testament to her dedication and adaptability. Born in Germany in 1996, she initially pursued football before transitioning to skeleton in 2009. She was first selected to the German national team in 2013 before switching to represent Belgium in the 2014-15 season. Currently, she is coached by Fernando Oliva and Martin Rettl, and utilizes a Schneider sled. She previously competed in the 2018 Pyeongchang and 2022 Winter Olympics, finishing 14th and 18th respectively.
As Meylemans navigates the third run, the focus remains on her potential to secure a medal. The outcome will not only represent a personal achievement but also a significant moment for Belgian skeleton racing. The competition is expected to be fierce, but Meylemans’ recent successes and unwavering determination position her as a strong contender.
The final runs will determine the medalists, and all eyes are on Meylemans and Silveira as they continue their Olympic journey together. The event promises a thrilling conclusion, especially given the unique circumstances of this newly married couple competing at the highest level of their sport.
What comes next for Meylemans and Silveira will depend on the outcome of the final runs. Regardless of the result, their story has already captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing the blend of personal connection and athletic competition that makes the Olympics so compelling.
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