Kelsey Mitchell, an Olympic gold medalist in track cycling, is embracing the concept of potential as she delves into a new challenge with the Canadian bobsled team. Mitchell, who secured gold in the women’s sprint event at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 despite lacking prior cycling experience, will be heading to a training camp in Whistler, B.C., with the bobsled squad.
The upcoming World Cup season, commencing on November 21 in Cortina, Italy, marks a significant milestone for Canada’s bob and skeleton team ahead of the Winter Olympic Games in February. Mitchell, originally from Sherwood Park, Alta., is determined to apply her rapid learning abilities from track cycling to excel in bobsled, a sport she first explored at the age of 21.
Acknowledging the need to enhance her upper body strength and running technique for bobsledding, Mitchell recognizes the distinct physical demands of the new discipline. Despite the steep learning curve, she remains optimistic about her transition and aims to eventually make a comeback to track cycling, eyeing participation in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Reflecting on her decision to take a break from track cycling after the Paris Olympics, Mitchell cited mental and physical exhaustion as driving factors. Her brief stint in speedskating provided valuable insights into the challenges of switching between sports, with the high-impact nature of bobsled posing a fresh set of hurdles.
In her quest to adapt to bobsled, Mitchell has garnered praise from Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton’s high-performance director and strength and conditioning coach for her coachability and competitive spirit. While acknowledging the demanding nature of the sport, Mitchell’s determination to succeed and contribute to Team Canada’s success shines through as she embarks on this new chapter of her athletic journey.
