Kelsey Mitchell, an Olympic gold medalist in track cycling, is embracing the word “potential” as she embarks on a new challenge with the Canadian bobsled team. Following her success in Tokyo in 2021, where she clinched gold in the women’s sprint despite starting cycling just four years earlier without even owning a bike, Mitchell is now gearing up for a training camp in Whistler, B.C. before the World Cup season opener in Cortina, Italy.
The 31-year-old athlete from Sherwood Park, Alta., is aiming to make a mark in bobsledding, having previously dabbled in the sport at the age of 21 but feeling she lacked the necessary leg power and explosiveness back then. Equipped with her experience in track cycling, Mitchell is focusing on enhancing her upper body strength and refining her running technique to adapt to the demands of bobsled push starts, acknowledging the steep learning curve ahead.
Despite her current bobsledding pursuits, Mitchell has her sights set on a return to track cycling with aspirations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. While contemplating the possibility of becoming a dual-season Olympian like some of her predecessors, Mitchell remains grateful for the opportunity to rediscover her love for sport and contribute to Team Canada’s success, whether as a competitor on the ice or a supportive teammate.
Having briefly explored speedskating as a bridge back to track cycling, Mitchell acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to bobsled, particularly in terms of physical demands and injury prevention. With the guidance of Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton’s high-performance director and strength coach, Mitchell’s coachability and competitive spirit are highlighted as valuable assets for her journey in bobsledding, a sport known for its intensity and fast-paced nature akin to the 100 meters of the Winter Olympics.