On a summer trip aimed at getting to know each other better, Kailey Allan witnessed Beattie Podulsky’s mishap with a spider web and subsequent tumble down a hill. These two Calgarians are set to be the first Canadian women to compete in women’s doubles luge at the Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy. The women’s doubles event, featuring a two-run format, is scheduled for Wednesday.
Despite their limited prior acquaintance, Allan, 22, and Podulsky, 20, teamed up in October 2024 for their debut on the luge track. They focused on building chemistry and communication as a duo throughout their first season together. To enhance their partnership, the pair embarked on a trip to New Zealand the previous summer, living in a van for two weeks and exploring the country.
During their trip, Allan recounted a humorous incident where Podulsky encountered a spider web, stumbled down a hill, and injured herself on the very first day. Podulsky explained that she got startled while attempting to pet cows and ended up with ripped clothing and a cut toe. This experience helped them bond and improve their communication skills.
Women’s doubles luge made its world championship debut in 2022, marking a significant milestone for female athletes in the sport. Podulsky expressed her excitement about being pioneers in this category and showcasing the capabilities of women in doubles luge, emphasizing the added difficulty compared to singles.
The unique dynamics of women’s doubles luge, with two athletes on the sled instead of one, present challenges in terms of weight distribution and coordination. The learning process for Allan and Podulsky has involved navigating these complexities and adapting to the demands of the discipline.
Having participated in just two World Cups together, the duo’s highlight so far was winning team relay bronze at the 2025 world championship in Whistler, B.C. They are now gearing up for the Olympic team relay event in Cortina, eager to represent Canada on the global stage.
Allan and Podulsky honed their skills on Calgary’s sliding track, a legacy of the 1988 Olympics, and continue their training in various facilities, including Calgary’s ice house and high-performance center, as well as the track in Whistler. Balancing their athletic pursuits with part-time jobs as restaurant servers in Calgary, the duo exemplifies dedication and perseverance in pursuit of their Olympic dreams.
Their journey as a partnership has seen them achieve notable results on the international circuit, with a focus on continuous improvement and making history for Canadian sports. As they prepare for the 2026 Olympic Games, Allan and Podulsky are eager to inspire more young women to explore the possibilities in women’s doubles luge and leave a lasting impact on the sport.