When most people think of Winter Olympians, they picture athletes from snowy mountain towns or massive training centers. But one former Olympian calls Iowa home, proving that even in the heart of the Midwest, Olympic dreams can start.
Jean Prahm (she/her) was a former Olympic bobsledder. Like many athletes, Prahm’s journey began with a simple opportunity and a willingness to try something new.
“When I was 13 years old, the US luge program hosted a summer clinic in my hometown of Waterford, Michigan,” Prahm said. “My parents saw an article in the newspaper and thought it would be fun for the kids to try it. That’s how I was introduced to sliding sports. I ended up competing on the U.S. Junior World Cup team before being introduced to women’s bobsled.”
What began as a summer clinic soon became an international career representing the United States.
“Traveling all over the world competing for my country felt like a dream. I had amazing teammates/friends over the years. I loved being a part of the journey to get women’s bobsled into the Winter Olympics,” Prahm said.
Behind those dream moments were years of training, long practices and plenty of setbacks. The Olympics were a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but it was the everyday effort that truly shaped the journey.
“When I look back on those years competing for Team USA, the journey wasn’t always easy, but there was so much joy in persevering and accomplishing something that wasn’t easy,” Prahm said. “The Olympics were amazing, but were just two races in a long racing career. The Olympics came and went in the blink of an eye. It was all the years of training and competing in between with my team that I cherish.”
“It’s funny, racing in a bobsled just doesn’t really come up in everyday conversation; there are probably quite a few people who have no idea that I competed. But for those who take the time to get to know me, I openly share my stories and my journey,” Prahm said.
Although she didn’t pursue the same Olympic path, Kate Prahm (she/her), 10, says growing up with a former Olympian as a mom has shaped her in other important ways.
“One lesson my mom taught me was not to listen to what anyone else has to say. Your work ethic and outcome will speak for themselves,” Kate Prahm said.
Though the Olympic spotlight has long since faded, her story hasn’t. Now living in Iowa and raising her family, she carries those memories not as medals, but as lessons. They serve as reminders that dedication and perseverance can shape a life long after the Games are over.
The 2026 Winter Olympics’ closing ceremony will take place Sunday, Feb. 22, on NBC.
