Olympian Dawn Richardson Wilson Returns to National Bobsleigh Program

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.

“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.”

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 also worked as a Correctional Officer at the Calgary Remand Centre.

“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.

“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.”

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.

Never the biggest fan of roller coasters, Richardson Wilson soon landed herself a first-class ticket on one of the craziest thrill rides in the world that led her to the Olympic start line in 2022 following a standout rookie season on the World Cup circuit.  She is now driven to build on the growth she experienced throughout her career.

“When I first started bobsleigh, I dreamed of making the Canadian team and earning a spot at the Olympic Games. Achieving that milestone was incredible, but I’m not done yet. My vision has expanded; I’m striving to break into the top ranks, and bring some medals home for Team Canada,” said Richardson Wilson. “I’m returning to the sport more determined, focused, and confident. I understand the commitment, discipline, and faith required to compete at the highest level, and I’m ready to give everything I have to reach that goal.”

Richardson Wilson will officially rejoin the program during Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton’s first camp of the season, June 23-27. 

“Dawn is a true professional and an extremely talented athlete,” said Jesse Lumsden, high-performance director, Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton. “She is a wonderful person and teammate, is great in the training environment and exemplifies what it means to be an Olympian through her character, work ethic, and grittiness. She will immediately raise the performance bar in our program, and we are very excited to have her with us as we get set to launch this important Olympic season.”

Richardson Wilson’s story is one with resilience at its core, having overcome adversity on and off the track on her path to sporting excellence.

In 2001, she and her family came to Canada as refugees from Ghana. A few years later, she lost her mother suddenly and her father the same year. Orphaned at only six years of age, Richardson Wilson went to live with her older brother and his wife in Edmonton. A shy student, she found solace in sport, discovering a sense of belonging and purpose. She played basketball, rugby, and ultimate, while also competing at track and field. This is where she found her confidence. 

“Stepping back from bobsleigh allowed me to remember that my identity goes beyond just being an athlete; it goes much deeper. It’s about having a firm foundation in Christ, which influences how I train and carry myself in every aspect of my life. I’ve learned to let go of the pressure to constantly prove myself and instead focus on showing up with excellence, gratitude, and trust in His plan,” said Richardson Wilson. “I’ve returned with a clearer mindset, more patience, and a deeper appreciation for the little things that make a big difference: recovery, consistency, and the people who support me. I look forward to applying everything I’ve learned during my time away as I embark on this new chapter and to giving my all in the pursuit of excellence, both on and off the track.”

Bobsleigh CANADA Skeleton is a non-profit organization and the national governing body for the sports of bobsleigh and skeleton in Canada. With the support of its valued corporate partners – Karbon, Athabasca Oil Corporation in collaboration with Canada Actions I Love Energy – along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Bobsleigh CANADA Skeleton develops champions in the community, on and off the track, who have a passion for bobsleigh and skeleton. Please visit us at www.bobsleighcanadaskeleton.ca.

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Chris Dornan                                                                                                  
Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton                
T: 403-620-8731