During a poignant ceremony at the White House, President Donald Trump honored Olympic bobsled champion Kaillie Armbruster Humphries, who in turn presented him with the prestigious Order of Ikkos medal. This event was part of the celebration of Women’s History Month, showcasing the accomplishments of women in sports and beyond.
Humphries, a six-time Olympic medalist originally from Canada, expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunity to compete for her adopted country, the United States. She highlighted the significance of her achievements, particularly as a mother who overcame challenges to return to peak athletic performance. At the recent 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics, she earned two bronze medals, making her journey even more remarkable.
“The ultimate dream I had was to become a mom and then be able to stand on the Olympic podium,” Humphries shared. “This year I got to do that with my one-and-a-half-year-old son. Being able to earn these two bronze medals, they feel like gold. They really do. He is my gold medal and will always be for my entire life.”
In her remarks, Humphries thanked Trump for his support of reproductive health initiatives, specifically the expansion of IVF treatments, which played a crucial role in her journey to motherhood. After facing significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of stage IV endometriosis in 2021, she welcomed her son Aulden in June 2024 after two-and-a-half years of IVF.
Humphries, now 40, began her Olympic career in 2010, competing for Canada in Vancouver. She also participated in the Sochi 2014 and PyeongChang 2018 Games before becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2021. Her journey reflects a commitment to both her sport and her family, moving to the United States in 2016 with her husband, Travis Armbruster.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, Humphries secured her first bronze in the women's monobob event on February 16, with Team USA's Elana Meyers Taylor taking gold. She followed this achievement by teaming with Jasmine Jones to earn her second bronze in the two-woman bobsled on February 21.
Olympic athletes have the unique privilege of presenting the Olympic Order of Ikkos medal to individuals who have significantly impacted their journey to the Olympic podium. Humphries tearfully awarded hers to Trump, marking an unprecedented moment as she believes it is the first time such a medal has been awarded to a sitting president.
“Having my one-year-old son chase me around the Olympic podium, another huge honor and a dream come true,” Humphries reflected. “I want to encourage every single mother out there to follow your dreams and don’t let anybody put limits on what you believe you can do.”
In response to receiving the medal, Trump expressed his admiration for Humphries, stating, “I knew I liked her. That’s really nice.” This moment not only celebrates Humphries' achievements but also emphasizes the broader theme of empowerment and perseverance among women in sports.
This remarkable event serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating the power of determination and the importance of support from leaders in promoting women's rights and achievements in all fields, including athletics.
Source: USA TODAY News