WNBA Free Agency Chaos + Olympic Gold Winner Elana Meyers Taylor on the Rise of Bobsledding

This episode of A Touch More with Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe dives into the whirlwind of WNBA free agency, highlighting record-breaking contracts, roster overhauls, and the growing trend of multi-year deals. The hosts express awe at the sheer size of rosters, especially in teams like New York and Chicago, while questioning whether the league is prioritizing height over balance. They also reflect on the WNBA draft, where uncertainty reigns as top prospects like AZ Fudd, Olivia Miles, and Awa Pham remain in flux after their NCAA tournament performances. The conversation shifts to the U.S. Women's National Team's recent friendlies against Japan, praising Rose Lavelle’s resurgence under Emma Hayes and the importance of challenging opponents. The episode culminates in a powerful interview with Olympic gold medalist Elana Meyers Taylor, who shares her journey as the oldest American woman to win a Winter Olympic gold in an individual event. She discusses the challenges of chronic pain, the sexism behind the monobob’s creation, and how her family—especially her deaf sons—shaped her advocacy. Meyers Taylor also reflects on the emotional weight of her gold medal, the importance of representation, and the resilience required to compete at the highest level despite systemic barriers. The episode closes with a poignant reflection on the intersection of sports, identity, and activism. Key takeaways include: 1) The WNBA is entering a new era of financial parity with million-dollar contracts, but team-building strategies are becoming increasingly complex. 2) The draft and free agency are now driven more by narrative and social media than pure evaluation, raising concerns about GM decision-making. 3) Elana Meyers Taylor’s gold medal victory is not just a personal triumph but a landmark moment for diversity and inclusion in winter sports. 4) Her advocacy—centered on disability rights, racial equity, and family—shows how elite athletes can use their platform to drive social change. 5) The episode underscores the emotional and logistical toll of elite sport, especially when balancing family, health, and competition.