Kelsey Mitchell has become part of an exclusive group of Canadian athletes who have competed in both the summer and winter Olympic Games. The track cycling gold medalist from Sherwood Park, Alta., has been selected for Canada’s bobsled team at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Games. Mitchell, who claimed gold in sprint cycling in Tokyo 2021, will serve as one of Canada’s bobsled brakewomen.
Among the 14 athletes who have represented Canada in both the Winter and Summer Olympics, Mitchell is the sixth bobsledder to achieve this feat. Expressing her excitement, Mitchell stated that being part of this group was a special honor during the team’s introduction at Olympic Heights School.
Cyclist and speedskater Clara Hughes remains the sole Canadian athlete to have won medals in both the Summer and Winter Games. Mitchell, who also competed in cycling at the 2024 Paris Summer Games, joined the bobsleigh team last year.
Reflecting on her Olympic journey, Mitchell mentioned that her experience from previous Games would be beneficial in Cortina. The 2026 Olympic bobsleigh team comprises 17 athletes, including three alternates, aiming for success in various bobsled events.
Notable members of the team include Melissa Lotholz and Cynthia Appiah, who will pilot women’s sleds and compete in monobob events. Additionally, Taylor Austin and Jay Dearborn will be piloting two-man and four-man sleds. The team also includes brakewomen Dawn Richard-Wilson, Skylar Sieben, and a selection of brakemen.
Yohan Eskrick-Parkinson, who transitioned from representing Jamaica in diving to join Canada’s bobsleigh team, expressed his achievement in pursuing his Olympic dream in a different sport. With a history of success in bobsleigh, Canadian athletes have won numerous Olympic medals in the sport since 1964, maintaining a consistent presence on the podium in recent Games.
As the team gears up for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games, the athletes are focused on delivering strong performances and aiming for podium finishes. Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton high-performance director Jesse Lumsden emphasized the importance of speed and consistency for success in major competitions, highlighting the team’s potential for excellence in upcoming events.