Kailey Allan and Beattie Podulsky, both from Calgary, are set to make history as the first Canadian women to compete in women’s doubles luge at the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. The duo, aged 22 and 20 respectively, began their partnership in October 2024 and have been working on developing their chemistry and communication skills ever since.
To strengthen their bond, Allan and Podulsky embarked on a summer trip to New Zealand last year, where they lived in a van for two weeks. During this trip, a memorable incident involving a spider web, a fall down a hill, and a ripped Croc shoe brought humor and a new perspective to their relationship.
Women’s doubles luge made its debut at the world championships in 2022, allowing female athletes to compete in a discipline previously dominated by men. Allan and Podulsky are eager to showcase their skills and prove that women can excel in this challenging event.
The dynamic of having two athletes on a sled instead of one presents unique challenges, requiring precise coordination and skill to navigate the course successfully. Despite facing a learning curve and occasional bruises, the duo has already achieved success at the world championship level, winning team relay bronze in 2025.
As they gear up for the Olympic Games, Allan and Podulsky continue training in Calgary and Whistler while juggling part-time jobs as restaurant servers to support their athletic endeavors. Their journey as a luge duo has seen them achieve notable finishes in international competitions, setting the stage for their historic participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Excited about the opportunity to pioneer women’s doubles luge in Canada, Allan expressed her hope to inspire more young women to join the sport and excel in this challenging discipline. The duo’s determination and teamwork will be on full display as they take on the world’s best in Cortina, aiming to leave a lasting impact on Canadian sports history.