Olympian, University of Calgary star Dawn Richardson Wilson returns to national bobsleigh program
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Dawn Richardson Wilson is back in bobsleigh.
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The multi-sport athlete from Edmonton has confirmed she will make another run at earning a spot to represent Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano/Cortina, Italy.
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'I'm excited to return to bobsleigh for the chance to re-engage with the sport now with a renewed purpose, deeper focus and a stronger sense of identity,' said the 25-year-old. 'The intensity of the ice, the team's unity at the start line, and the precision required to compete at the highest level are irreplaceable experiences. I have truly missed the rush, challenge, and camaraderie of wearing the maple leaf. Representing Canada is an incredible honour and I am doing so now with a fresh perspective, maturity, and gratitude so it means more to me than ever before.'
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Richardson Wilson stepped away from the icy track after making her Olympic debut at Beijing 2022 to complete her education at the University of Calgary where she also represented the Dinos in track and field. Over the last four years, she set new school records, achieved personal bests and challenged herself across various events from 60m to 300m to hurdles. Outside of sport, she worked as a correctional officer at the Calgary Remand Centre.
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'This time away has truly been a gift. It has provided me with the space to slow down, recover physically, and allow myself to reflect on why I pursued this path in the first place – and that work is far from done,' said Richardson Wilson.
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'Spending time in track and field was about returning to the basics and honestly addressing the areas where I needed improvement. In bobsleigh, the start is crucial; those first few seconds can make or break a run. I realized I needed to become more explosive, quicker off the line, and sharper in my sprint mechanics. Track training allowed me to isolate and focus on these elements without the distraction of the sled. It helped me rebuild a solid athletic foundation, concentrating on speed, power, and proper movement. Although it wasn't easy, the process has been both humbling and rewarding, and I can already feel the difference in how I move and push.'
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The multi-sport athlete competed for Canada at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, but her journey into bobsleigh began after having a conversation with her mentor and high school basketball coach, Dean Walls. He drew her attention to an open recruitment camp for bobsleigh that was taking place in Edmonton. Richardson Wilson rose to the challenge. She began training with her strength and conditioning coach and impressed during her first camp. Small in size and stature, big in heart, work ethic and natural talent, Richardson Wilson made an immediate impression on national bobsleigh program coaches.
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