Fresh from clinching a silver medal at the World Cup in monobob, Cynthia Appiah of Canada is brimming with national pride following her podium finish.
Expressing her thoughts, Appiah highlighted the significance of embodying Canadian values in her journey. She emphasized the importance of fairness, kindness, camaraderie with teammates, and strong competitiveness, all reflecting the Canadian way.
Securing second place, Appiah recorded a combined time of one minute, 48.66 seconds on the challenging 16-corner track in Lillehammer. Looking ahead, the 34-year-old athlete from Toronto is set to vie for the world championship title in Lake Placid, New York, this upcoming March.
Setting her sights on becoming a world champion, Appiah exuded confidence in her abilities. Reflecting on her recent achievement, she acknowledged the timing of her success and expressed determination to reach new heights in her career.
As preparations intensify for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics, Appiah is fueled by her aspirations for the upcoming Games. Recalling her experience at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, where she placed eighth in monobob and two-woman events, Appiah acknowledged the learning curve from her rookie performance and vowed to approach the next Olympics with a poised and composed mindset.
With the construction of the Eugenio Monti track for bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton events for the upcoming Olympics, Appiah emphasized the equalizing effect this new facility will have on competitors, eliminating any potential advantages.
Despite persistent funding challenges faced by Canadian athletes, Appiah shed light on the financial strains within the bobsleigh sport, where athletes often bear substantial costs for logistical needs. Reflecting on the significant personal investment she made this year, Appiah highlighted the financial hurdles she and her peers encounter.
In a bid to enhance her performance, Appiah plans to compete with her own bobsled at the upcoming world championships, boosting her confidence on the track. She expressed optimism and readiness for the challenges that lie ahead in her pursuit of sporting excellence.
Celebrating diversity in bobsleigh, Appiah lauded the historic achievement of her fellow Canadian bobsledders, Cyrus Gray and Shaq Murray-Lawrence, as the first Black pilot-brakeman duo to compete in a World Cup two-man bobsleigh race. She emphasized the importance of embracing diversity in Canadian sports and encouraged recognition of emerging talents within the bobsleigh community.