Sophia Kirkby, the 24-year-old Team USA luger competing in women’s doubles at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, has captured global attention not only for her athletic prowess but for her unapologetic search for love inside the Athletes’ Village. Declaring herself the “Most Eligible Bachelorette” in a series of playful Instagram reels, Kirkby has transformed her Olympic experience into a lighthearted, real-time dating adventure that has fans, fellow athletes, and media buzzing just days before Valentine’s Day.
Kirkby, a Ray Brook, New York native and debut Olympian, arrived in Cortina d’Ampezzo earlier in February with her doubles partner Chevonne Forgan. The pair made history as part of the inaugural women’s doubles luge event, finishing competitively despite not medaling. Yet Kirkby’s off-track antics quickly overshadowed the results. On February 5, she posted a video strutting in a red bodysuit with overlaid text proclaiming “Athlete Village’s Most Eligible Bachelorette Arrives Tomorrow.” The caption read: “I’m happy to announce I’ll be showing you the inside life of an Olympian dating at the Olympics. Stay tuned.”
The post exploded. With over 26,000 Instagram followers, Kirkby leaned into the viral moment, sharing glimpses of Village life while openly seeking romance. “The Olympics officially kick off this Friday, and I’ll be in Cortina. Also… yes, I’m single. Athlete Village’s Most Eligible Bachelorette season has officially begun,” she wrote in an earlier reel. She emphasized openness beyond fellow Olympians: “I’m not just looking for the other Olympians to grab a cappuccino. I will have my dating platforms up and running. We can grab a cappuccino, maybe an Aperol Spritz.”
The response was overwhelming. Kirkby revealed receiving around 600 date offers via DMs, with two already scheduled for Valentine’s Day (February 14). “I have so many contenders for a date and I’m ready to start messaging you guys back and seeing what she can schedule,” she told followers in a follow-up video. She teased potential meetups for coffee or drinks, joking about finding “the love of her life” accidentally amid the Games. Her content mixes humor and sincerity: clips show her reading flirty messages, reacting to fan submissions, and even collaborating with volunteers who jokingly set her up.
The Olympic Village has long carried a reputation as a unique social hub. With thousands of elite athletes from around the world living side by side — often in close quarters after years of intense training — friendships, flings, and even long-term relationships have blossomed there. Past Games produced notable couples: Shaun White and Nina Dobrev met in 2014; Gus Kenworthy and his partner connected in PyeongChang. Kirkby’s public approach, however, stands out for its transparency and social media flair. She frames it as fun and low-pressure: “Love might be in the air,” she said, noting her competition ends February 12, leaving time for romance before heading home.
Critics and supporters have weighed in. Some praise her confidence and authenticity in an era where athletes often guard personal lives. “She’s real, relatable, and owning her moment,” one fan commented. Others question the timing — focusing on competition amid high stakes — though Kirkby insists her racing remains priority. “I’m laser-focused on making history in women’s doubles,” she told Women’s Health, while admitting the Village’s energy makes dating feel natural.
Her posts highlight the Village’s vibe: shared meals, late-night hangouts, and chance encounters. Kirkby shared reels of casual interactions, including a volunteer playfully “setting her up” and reactions to incoming messages. She specified preferences lightly — joking about height “about yea tall,” holding her hand high — but kept it open to athletes or fans alike.
The story has gone mainstream. Outlets like New York Post dubbed her the “Winter Olympics’ most eligible bachelorette,” while People and Women’s Health covered her “Bachelorette-style” series. On Instagram, comments range from flirty “Please be my Valentine, big fan ❤️” to humorous “If you’re over 6’3 and a world-class athlete, this is your shot 😂”. Even rivals and teammates engaged playfully.
Beyond romance, Kirkby’s openness humanizes elite sport. Luge demands intense focus — athletes hurtle down ice tracks at speeds over 90 mph on tiny sleds — yet she balances it with personality. Her journey includes overcoming injuries and making her Olympic debut in a new event. The dating narrative adds levity to the Games, reminding viewers athletes are young people navigating life amid pressure.
As Valentine’s approaches, Kirkby continues posting updates, teasing meetups and reading DMs live. Whether she finds love remains open, but her bold approach has already won fans. In a Village full of world-class talent, Sophia Kirkby proved the most captivating story might unfold off the track — one message, one coffee, one spark at a time.
The Olympic spirit thrives on competition, but Kirkby’s quest shows it also blooms in connection. As she slides toward the finish line on ice and in romance, the world watches — popcorn in hand — for the next chapter.
