Meet Emily Renna and Elliot Markuson, a dynamic pair who share a passion for competition, adventure, and enjoying the little things in every day. Both former collegiate athletes, they found each other on the US bobsled team - an unexpected sport that brought them together on ice just as much as it has pushed them to their limits. 

Now based in Charlotte, North Carolina, they live with their dog (Thor) and balance their intense training schedules with a love for the outdoors, travel, and art. When they aren’t training or traveling, they soak up quality time with friends and family. 

Continue reading to learn how Emily and Elliot both discovered bobsledding, their love for Athletic Brewing Company, and their ambitions for the future as we highlight Emily Renna and Elliot Markuson in our January Ambassador Spotlight. 

Can you tell us a bit about your journey into bobsledding? 

Emily: I was on a Division I track & field team in college, and one day I realized how much I missed competing. In 2019, I traveled to Park City for an in-person combine, which led to an invitation to the training center in Lake Placid. There, I learned how to push—and eventually slide—and I’ve been part of the team ever since. I am currently training for and hoping to compete in the games this February.

Elliot: After playing Division I college football, I spent 14 months in Ningbo, China, teaching American football. When I returned to the states, I was unexpectedly recruited to the US bobsled team. Growing up in the South, I’d never really been around snow, so being recruited for a combine was a complete shock. The sport was entirely new to me, but I was excited for the challenge.

Emily & Elliott: We are super grateful for bobsledding because that is how we met each other! 

What is something that has surprised you about bobsledding? 

Elliot: When I first stepped into the sled, I wasn’t prepared for the sheer force of flying down the track. I was stunned to learn that bobsledders experience G-forces comparable to those of fighter pilots—explaining why I’ve even blacked out in the sled a few times.

Do you have an influential person in your life that inspires you? 

Emily: My teammates have been a huge inspiration just by everything they have achieved. Their dedication to training fuels my drive to grow and continually push myself.

Elliot: My dad, a former college football coach, has been a huge influence in my life. He taught me that once you start something, you commit to it and see it through. His guidance is a big reason I’m passionate about coaching American football in Asia. In 2025, I led two football clinics—one in Hong Kong and one in Tokyo—and I’m excited to continue expanding that work in the future. I’ve always lived by the motto “do hard things” and embrace failure as part of the process.

What do you enjoy about being an Athletic Ambassador? 

Emily & Elliot: We love being ambassadors for Athletic—a company whose products we genuinely enjoy and that encourages movement while fostering a strong, supportive community.

What are you looking forward to in 2026? What is next? 

Emily & Elliot: We’re both excited to see what February holds. Whether we make the games or not, we’re looking forward to growing as athletes and exploring new endeavors. We’re also planning a big trip in April to celebrate the end of the season.

Emily: In college, I studied Kinesiology, and after grad school, I worked in biotech on clinical trial operations. Looking ahead, I hope to be part of a company that supports athletes with advanced recovery techniques or to contribute to sports science research.

Elliot: I would love to help expand American football internationally or host week-long clinics in Japan or China. Football has been such a big part of my life, and I enjoy sharing the sport and teaching others about it.

What piece of advice would you give to someone that is looking to make it to the next level?

Emily & Elliott: People often get caught up in thoughts like, “I’m not good enough. I’m not talented enough. I’m not the fastest. I’m not the strongest.” But at the end of the day, it’s not about that—it’s about showing up every day and putting in the work. If you commit to the process, you’ll be surprised to look back a year later and see how far you’ve come. Enjoy the journey—it’s the real treasure.

What is your go-to Athletic brew? 

Emily & Elliot: We both love Free Wave Hazy IPA! The taste is everything! 

Elliot: I am also a huge fan of Dark & Gourdy!