Becoming an Olympian demands relentless determination, exceptional athletic skills, and peak physical condition, requiring a complete dedication to the pursuit of sport.
Kelsey Mitchell, an Olympic champion in track cycling who transitioned to bobsleigh just before the 2026 Winter Olympics, is well-acquainted with the all-consuming life of an athlete.
Expressing her perspective, Mitchell shared with CBC Sports, “I appreciate the journey of improvement. I am thankful for this experience and proud of my achievements, despite the challenging conditions and rigorous demands of the sport.”
Recently, Canada’s bobsleigh team concluded the IBSF World Cup season by securing three sleds in the two-woman event for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympics.
During the final race of the IBSF World Cup tour in St. Moritz, Switzerland on Jan. 11, Mitchell and her partner Melissa Lotholz achieved their season-best performance, finishing in eighth place.
Explore the transition of Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Kelsey Mitchell to bobsleigh; her training, mindset, and more.
Now awaiting the outcome from Altenberg, the 32-year-old athlete from Sherwood Park, Alta., is hopeful for a spot in the Games, acknowledging the uncertainty and relinquishing control over the final result.
If successful, the Canadian Olympic bobsleigh team will be officially announced on Jan. 23, marking Mitchell’s potential participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
After clinching Olympic gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021, Mitchell faced a setback, finishing eighth in the women’s sprint track cycling event at Paris 2024.