Sophia Kirkby, born June 14, 2001, in Ray Brook, New York, is an American luger specializing in women's doubles and singles. She began luge at age 7 near Lake Placid, influenced by her father James, a former US Air Force bobsledder. Kirkby joined the USA Luge development group at 10 and the junior national team at 16. She won the US national singles championships in 2020, 2023, and 2024 before transitioning to doubles. Her achievements include bronze medals at the 2022 and 2024 World Championships in doubles with partner Shevon Forgan, a silver in the 2024 team relay, and seven World Cup medals in the 2024/25 season, including gold. At the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, the first to feature women’s doubles, she placed fifth.
Kirkby honors her late father, who died in June 2024, by inscribing his last words on her gloves during races. Beyond luge, she works as a ceramist, selling handmade pins representing women's doubles at the Olympics. Active on Instagram, she shares insights into her racing and personal life. Residing in Lake Placid, she described herself as “the most eligible bachelorette” at the 2026 Olympics and engaged in dating during the event. Kirkby’s career reflects a progression from early involvement to Olympic pioneer in a newly introduced discipline for women.
