A fresh velodrome constructed in her local area has reignited Olympic track cycling champion Kelsey Mitchell’s passion for the sport. Following her participation in bobsleigh for Canada at the Milan Cortina Games in February, the 32-year-old athlete from Sherwood Park, Alberta, has returned to cycling at the new Alberta Velodrome in Edmonton.
The state-of-the-art cycling track is situated within the recently unveiled $153-million Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, which commenced operations in January. This velodrome is one of only three 250-meter indoor UCI-sanctioned tracks in Canada, with the Milton velodrome in Ontario serving as the national team’s primary training facility, initially constructed for the 2015 Pan American Games.
Another notable recent addition to the Canadian cycling infrastructure is the completion of the Centre National De Cyclisme in Bromont, Quebec, in 2022. Mitchell achieved a remarkable feat by clinching the women’s Olympic sprint gold in Tokyo in 2021, entering the sport without even owning a bike four years prior when she was scouted through RBC Training Ground.
After a challenging eighth-place finish in Paris in 2024, Mitchell experienced mental and physical exhaustion but remained dedicated to high-performance athletics. She briefly transitioned to speedskating before realizing her strength was better suited for bobsleigh, where she competed alongside pilot Melissa Lotholz from Barrhead, Alberta, securing a 13th place in the women’s bobsleigh event in Cortina, Italy.
Seeking a more balanced lifestyle and a change of scenery, Mitchell returned to track cycling, citing the Edmonton velodrome as a crucial factor in her decision. The convenience of training on the hardwood track just 30 minutes away from her home in Sherwood Park allows her to maintain close ties with her family while also reconnecting with friends and enjoying a supportive community environment.
Reflecting on her journey, Mitchell emphasized the significance of the facility in her comeback to cycling, highlighting the importance of achieving a work-life balance. In preparation for potential inclusion on the Canadian team, Mitchell underwent a PRP injection to address a longstanding power issue in her left leg, with plans to meet the national standard time requirement by August 31.
Expressing gratitude for the local support she has received, Mitchell remains focused on her goal of earning a spot on the national team and ultimately competing in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, which would mark her fourth appearance at the Games in just seven years. Notably, Mitchell is among the select few athletes who have represented Canada in both Winter and Summer Olympics, showcasing her versatility and dedication to athletic excellence.
The Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre, which houses the new velodrome, has been seamlessly integrated with the existing Peter Hemingway Aquatic Centre, offering a multifaceted facility that caters to elite athletes and recreational participants alike. Mitchell commended the facility’s location in Alberta, its high-altitude setting conducive to fast track speeds, and its role in introducing the public to the exciting world of track cycling.
As she continues her training regimen and pursues her Olympic aspirations, Mitchell remains optimistic about the future of sports in Canada, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure development and community engagement in fostering athletic talent and promoting active lifestyles nationwide.
