Simidele Adeagbo and Kewe King have made history as the first African two-woman bobsleigh team to compete in an IBSF World Cup. Their debut took place at the Eugenio Monti Sliding Centre in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The Nigerian duo finished 25th with 40 points, in a race won by Germany’s Olympic champion Laura Nolte. The victory was secured with Nolte and brakewoman Deborah Levi delivering an outstanding performance.
USA teams followed closely, with Kaysha Love and Azaria Hill finishing second, while Kaillie Armbruster Humphries secured third place. Although the Nigerians were far from the podium, their achievement was widely celebrated. Their participation was recognised by the National Sports Commission, which praised their courage and determination. It was stated that the milestone represents a major breakthrough for African winter sports.
Adeagbo has been breaking barriers since entering the sport in 2017. She became the first African woman to compete in skeleton at the Winter Olympics in 2018. She later achieved another milestone in 2022 when she became the first African to win an international sledge race. Last year, she was also celebrated as the first African athlete to compete in bobsleigh at the IBSF World Championships.
Earlier in 2025, she earned two top 25 finishes in the women’s monobob at St. Moritz. Consequently, her growing achievements continue inspiring athletes across the continent. The partnership with Kewe King pushes new boundaries and expands opportunities. Their presence demonstrates new possibilities for winter sports development in Nigeria and Africa.
