To become an Olympian, one must possess unwavering determination, athletic talent, and exceptional health, dedicating most of their time to their sport. Kelsey Mitchell, an Olympic track cycling champion who transitioned to bobsleigh before the 2026 Winter Olympics, embodies this all-consuming athlete lifestyle.
Expressing her fondness for the process of skill improvement, Mitchell shared with CBC Sports her journey and perspective on the challenging bobsleigh season in Europe, emphasizing the need for resilience.
Recently, Canada’s bobsleigh team concluded the IBSF World Cup with a strong performance, securing three sleds in the two-woman event for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympics. Mitchell, alongside partner Melissa Lotholz, achieved a season-best eighth place in the final race at St. Moritz, Switzerland.
Explore Kelsey Mitchell’s transition from Tokyo 2020 gold medallist in cycling to bobsleigh; her training, mindset, and more.
Anticipating the outcome from Altenberg, Mitchell is hopeful for a spot in the Winter Games, emphasizing her satisfaction with the effort she has put in. The official announcement of the Canadian Olympic bobsleigh team members is scheduled for Jan. 23, pending qualification.
Following her Olympic success in Tokyo 2021, Mitchell faced a challenging period in women’s sprint track cycling at Paris 2024, finishing eighth. If selected for the 2026 Olympic team, Mitchell will join a prestigious group of Canadian athletes who have excelled in both the Summer and Winter Games.
Reflecting on her bobsleigh initiation in Whistler, B.C., Mitchell recalls the initial challenges and doubts she encountered. Despite the rocky start, her determination led her to swiftly adapt to the sport’s demands, honing her skills and pushing through the physical challenges.