Kelly Curtis Soars Again: From New Jersey to Olympic Skeleton Stardom
Kelly Curtis has once again carved her name into Olympic history, sliding headfirst down the icy track at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games and finishing 12th in the women’s skeleton. For Curtis, this isn’t just a sport—it’s a journey that spans continents, careers and life-changing milestones.
Born and raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Curtis made her Olympic debut in Beijing 2022, becoming the first Black athlete to represent Team USA in skeleton. That experience, while historic, left her hungry for more. Back then, she finished 21st, a result that fueled determination rather than discouragement.
Now 37, Curtis returned to the Olympic stage not just as an athlete, but as a mother. Her daughter Maeve, born in 2023, has already traveled the world, witnessing firsthand the courage and perseverance her mother embodies. Curtis credits her family, especially her husband and coach, Jeff Milliron, for keeping her grounded and focused, allowing her to balance the rigor of elite competition with parenthood.
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Curtis’s journey to skeleton wasn’t traditional. A former heptathlete at Springfield College, she initially excelled in track and field before exploring bobsled and skeleton. It was a leap down the icy track that solidified her passion—a sport where athletes reach speeds up to 90 miles per hour while lying mere inches from the ice. Precision is everything; every slight movement can make or break a run.
Her commitment extends beyond the track. Curtis is a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, competing through the World Class Athlete Program. Stationed at Aviano Air Base in northern Italy, she strategically positioned herself near European tracks, maximizing her training and exposure to World Cup events. That careful planning paid off, with Curtis ranking among the top athletes globally and claiming podium finishes in key competitions leading up to these Games.
The 2026 Olympics mark a new chapter: Curtis’s first Games as a mom, a testament to resilience, determination and unwavering support from family and community. Her 12th-place finish may not have been a medal, but it reflects years of discipline, overcoming postpartum challenges and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Curtis’s story resonates beyond sport. It’s about breaking barriers, redefining expectations and showing the next generation—especially young girls—the power of perseverance. Her journey reminds us that success isn’t just measured in podium finishes, but in courage, grit and the unwavering commitment to follow your dreams.
Stay with us as we continue to cover the Milan-Cortina Games and highlight the athletes shaping the future of winter sports. This is a story of ambition, resilience and the relentless spirit of an Olympian who refuses to settle.
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