Olympian Dawn Richardson Wilson returns to push for a spot on Canada’s bobsleigh team

Dawn Richardson Wilson is back and eyeing the next Winter Olympics in Italy after taking a few years off from bobsleigh.

After taking a few years away from bobsleigh, Dawn Richardson Wilson has decided she’s going to make a push for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano/Cortina, Italy.

The 25-year-old breakman says the hiatus made her a better athlete.

“A few years ago, when I left the sport of bobsleigh, I said the reason for leaving is because there’s parts of my athleticism that was lacking and that was definitely the track and field aspect. The aspect of running.”

Competed for the Dinos

While she was away from the sport, Richardson Wilson attended the University of Calgary to complete her education. She also represented the Dinos in track and field.

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Richardson Wilson says she’ll be a better bobsleigh athlete because of track.

“I think, honestly, it’s going to help out a lot,” she said.

“It’s hard to say right now because we are in our base training, but overall, I do see small increases in power and technical aspects that will lead to the sport of bobsleigh. I’m just happy to put the two pieces together.”

Will add speed

Richardson Wilson has speed to burn. Her push and strength coach, Quin Sekulich, says he can hardly wait to see what push times she is going to put up, and there’s no doubt she will help the team.

“Well, it’s immediately better because we have one of the pushers from the last Olympics,” he said.

“Super excited for her, excited for our team and can’t wait to have her back in the sled. We’ve been waiting ever since she left.”

Teammates all agree they’re a better team with Richardson Wilson.

Pilot Mackenzie Stewart says she’ll add a lot to Team Canada.

“It’s like mind-boggling to see her change from this quiet, timid human into a freak of nature who just embraced her beast mentality and is ready to give it her all,” she said.

Pilot Erica Voss was a teammate of Richardson Wilson’s at the Beijing Games in 2022. She believes Richardson Wilson can reach new heights in the sport.

“We’ve been about three years now, and she’s been training hard,” said Voss.

“We’ve all been following her track career and how it’s been going, so we’re really excited to see what she brings when she comes back.”

Wants a medal

As for goals, Richardson Wilson says she wants a spot on the podium at the Olympics.

“My expectation this time is to hopefully come home with a medal,” she says.

“I think when I first started the Olympic journey, it was just to get the experience. To see new places and, honestly, just to have fun. I think at that age I was just excited by everything.”