American bobsled athlete Kaysha Love is deep in preparation for a career-defining event: the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. As she trains in frigid conditions, Love has revealed a surprising but critical rule she follows before every high-speed run down the ice.
The Warm-Up Secret: Why Heat Beats the Cold
In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, the 28-year-old explained a counterintuitive aspect of bobsledding. While the sport happens on icy tracks in sub-zero temperatures, the athletes' bodies work incredibly hard. "We sweat so much," Love stated from her training base in the United States. Her pre-race ritual is straightforward but intense: "When we're warming up, you bundle up as much as you can. Layers on layers, trying to get your body to the highest temperature possible."
She believes this feeling of warmth is directly linked to performance. "When you feel warm, you're ready. Your body can give everything," Love added. This intense activity in tight team spaces makes staying fresh a priority, leading to the team's partnership with personal care brand Native.
From Gymnastics to Olympic Ice: Love's Athletic Journey
Kaysha Love's path to the bobsled track did not begin on ice. She started gymnastics at just five years old and later became a track and field athlete at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. A bobsled coach spotted her explosive speed during her senior year at the NCAA national championships. "Most bobsled athletes come from track," Love noted, highlighting the need for raw power to push a sled weighing approximately 300 pounds.
After a virtual combine, she earned a spot on the U.S. national team. Her rapid ascent led to competing at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. In 2025, she clinched the title of Monobob World Champion, boosting her confidence ahead of the upcoming Games. "I've had this Olympic dream since I was seven," Love shared. "Every sport I tried was for that goal."
Focus on the Formula: Trust in Simplicity
With Native now an official partner of the U.S. men's and women's bobsled teams for Milano Cortina 2026, Love uses their products daily. For an athlete meticulous about her regimen, trust is key. "As an athlete, I care about what goes on my body," she said. This reliance on simple, effective formulas allows her to concentrate fully when it matters most. "It helps me focus and not worry on race day," Love explained.
As February 2026 approaches, Kaysha Love continues her rigorous training, armed with her unique warm-up philosophy and the unwavering focus of a champion aiming for Olympic glory.
