American Winter Olympian Sophia Kirkby has captured attention not only for her historic performance on the luge track but also for her blossoming romantic life in Italy. The 24-year-old athlete, who competed in the inaugural women's doubles luge event at the Games, finishing fifth, has openly embraced dating during her time in Europe, even dubbing herself the "athlete's village most eligible bachelorette."
A Fan's Bold Move Leads to Romance
Kirkby revealed that her current love interest is a fan who initiated contact through social media direct messages just two weeks ago. In an interview with the New York Post, she shared the story of how this admirer, an American living in the United Kingdom, decided to take a chance by booking an Airbnb near the Olympic Village to meet her. "He said, 'Hey, I just found out I have the 13th to 16th off. Would it be weird if I came and booked an Airbnb five minutes from you?'" Kirkby recounted. "And I was like, 'Go ahead.' He flew here just to see me."
Making the Most of Post-Competition Freedom
With her luge events now concluded, Kirkby is taking full advantage of her extended stay in the Olympic Village, thanks to Team USA's policy of covering accommodations for the entire Games duration. "I’m fortunate that I’m one of the countries that gets to stay in the Olympic Village," she explained. "The majority of my competitors I saw leave today, but fortunately for me, Team USA is one of the few countries that pays a premium for us to be here the entire time. So I am just going to have fun. It's my vacation time."
Her schedule has been packed with social activities, including multiple dates lined up for Valentine's Day alone. Kirkby has been keeping her 23,000 Instagram followers updated with reels and posts about her love life, even sharing a photo by a pool with a man whose face was out of shot, hinting at her romantic escapades.
An Open Approach to Dating and Competition
Prior to the Games, Kirkby had expressed her intention to explore dating opportunities, telling KTSM that she planned to use apps like Hinge and Tinder to connect with people in Italy. "There’s going to be lots of tourists," she said. "I’m hoping to go on lots of dates and I’ll be opening up my dating platforms." Her mindset, as she shared with Women's Health, is one of openness and curiosity: "My mindset is just to take chances, meet people, and see what's out there."
She also noted the unique social atmosphere of the Olympic Village, describing it as a place where athletes, once freed from the intensity of competition, are eager to mingle. "Everyone's schedule is intense, and people are really locked in on their events. But it's also super social - there's a lot of friendly energy, and people are excited to meet each other," Kirkby observed.
Balancing Athletic Achievement with Personal Joy
Kirkby's story highlights a lighter side of the Olympic experience, where athletes navigate the pressures of elite sport while also seeking personal connections. Her historic participation in the first women's doubles luge event marks a significant milestone in her career, yet she is equally focused on enjoying her time off the track. As she continues to share her journey with fans, Kirkby embodies a blend of competitive spirit and adventurous living, proving that the Games can be about more than just medals.
