The U.S. women’s bobsled and skeleton teams have embraced a unique form of self-care ahead of the Milan Cortina Games, as they prepare for the upcoming Olympics. This week, the athletes received hair treatments from stylist Jessica Sinclair, who traveled from California to Austria specifically for the occasion.
As the athletes focused on their rigorous training regimens, which included running and weightlifting, Sinclair provided a much-needed opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. The bobsled team, which features six competitors including five-time Olympic medalist Elana Meyers Taylor, took a break to indulge in haircuts, trims, and color treatments.
Sinclair, who had never been to Europe before this trip, was eager to assist the athletes. “It’s like everybody hasn’t had time to take care of themselves,” she explained. “Pretty much everybody needed something that made them just feel pretty and taken care of.”
All six members of the U.S. bobsled team—Meyers Taylor, Kaillie Humphries Armbruster, Kaysha Love, Azaria Hill, Jasmine Jones, and Jadin O’Brien—received treatments from Sinclair. The Olympians shared their transformations on social media, expressing their gratitude and excitement. Additionally, skeleton athletes Kelly Curtis and Mystique Ro also benefited from Sinclair’s expertise.
The athletes have been on the road in Europe since November, and while they typically wear helmets during races, the mental boost from self-care is invaluable. “To have a second to just take a deep breath and relax, and have our hair and our scalp massaged, it’s really nice,” Meyers Taylor noted. She emphasized the importance of feeling good about oneself, stating, “You want to be able to look in the mirror and say, ‘Hey, I feel good, I look good.’”
Meyers Taylor, who previously resided in the Sacramento area, recommended Sinclair for this unique task. “She can do Black people’s hair, white women’s hair. Jessica is a jack of all trades,” she said, highlighting Sinclair’s versatility.
After this quick trip to Austria, Sinclair plans to return to her salon early on Friday. She expressed her enthusiasm for supporting her new clients and acknowledged the significance of her work. “It’s kind of one of those things where you know you’re doing something important,” Sinclair remarked. “I should definitely do this.”
The self-care initiative appears to be more than just cosmetic; it represents a moment of normalcy and care in the athletes’ intense training regime. As they approach the Olympic events in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the athletes hope that the combination of physical preparation and mental wellness will contribute to their success on the world stage.