“To be inside a highly physically demanding sport for 15 years is a long time and I feel like now is the right time to move on,” Channell said in a statement released by Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton. The decision, like many retirements, was complex and carefully considered. “Skeleton is my family. That is why it is so difficult to step away and why it has taken me so long to come to terms with this decision. The community that the Canadian programme has right now is unique. Through all the ups and downs, and with all the support I have received, both loud and quiet, it has been an unforgettable ride,” she added.

“Help me fly”: turning loss into momentum

Channell was born and raised in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and described herself during childhood as “the shy one”. Sport soon became a natural space for her: she played basketball, football, softball and ran track. Later, at Simon Fraser University, she established herself as a sprinter and also competed with the university softball team. “I live in the moment. I leave nothing undone. I have no regrets. I live out loud,” she wrote in her own biography, a line that helps explain the way she would go on to build her career.

In her fourth year at university, her boyfriend passed away suddenly and Channell found in track a way to move through that loss. “It was when I was training and racing at top speeds that I felt free. This feeling is what saved me and brought me back from devastation,” she said. The idea of “Help me fly” captures that part of her story: running, pushing, sliding and competing were not only sporting gestures, but a way of continuing forward after a personal blow.

From the track to the ice

Skeleton entered her life before she knew she would one day become an Olympian. She watched the Salt Lake City competition on television with her grandfather, who told her the athletes doing it were “crazy”. She had the opposite reaction: she knew it was something she wanted to try. Years later, Jon Montgomery’s gold medal in Vancouver deepened that attraction to a sport built on precision, risk and adrenaline.

After graduating in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography from Simon Fraser University, she moved to Whistler almost on impulse to fully immerse herself in skeleton. She worked and trained full time for two winters, made Canada’s development team in her second year and then moved to Calgary to continue the journey with the rest of the squad. Her sprinting background fitted naturally with a discipline in which an explosive start can shape a race before the sled reaches the most technical part of the track.

Podiums, Olympic Games and a 15-year career

Her international progression was quick. She won the overall North American Cup title in the 2012-13 season, moved through the Intercontinental Cup and reached the World Cup. In 2015, she delivered one of her first major statements by finishing fourth at the World Championships, just 0.06 seconds off the podium on her debut at the event. In the 2015-16 season, she earned her first World Cup podiums, finished third overall and received a bronze Crystal Globe as one of the leading athletes on the circuit.

Across her career, Channell collected four World Cup medals, with silvers in Park City and Whistler and bronzes in Königssee and Winterberg. Her best Olympic result came at PyeongChang 2018, where she finished 10th and stood out for her push times. At Beijing 2022 she placed 17th, and at Milano Cortina 2026 she represented Canada again, finishing 18th individually and 15th in the mixed team event. She also won silver at the 2020 World Championships in the mixed team event alongside Dave Greszczyszyn, a medal she remembers as one of her favourite moments because they arrived as clear underdogs and finished just 0.01 seconds from victory.

Beyond the finish line

Her farewell also speaks to leadership. Channell thought 2022 might be her final year, but decided to continue because she did not want to leave Canadian skeleton in the state it was in at the time. “There was so much change, but it was very rewarding to be part of it all,” she explained. In the cycle leading to Milano Cortina 2026, she helped guide younger athletes, bring order to development standards and build a culture of accountability, responsibility and team success within the national programme.

Joe Cecchini, high performance director and head coach of the national skeleton programme, described her as “the heartbeat of our programme for many years”. Channell also explained it from another angle: “I could have stayed around longer, and I would have been more than capable of sliding, but if I did that, I feel like I’d be blocking that next step for athletes coming up the pipeline who now deserve the opportunity. I don’t want to do that.” Her retirement closes a career with three Olympic Games and international podiums, but also a story that began with speed on a track and found in the ice a way to fly.

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The setting could not be more symbolic. The only natural sliding track left in the world, built by hand each year with snow and ice, hosts a weekend filled with competitive tension, sporting memory and Olympic ambition. With seven disciplines in action and continental medals at stake for European athletes, St. Moritz becomes a meeting point between tradition, present and the future of bobsleigh and skeleton.

St. Moritz, a natural temple at the heart of the Olympic season

The 1,722-metre track between St. Moritz and Celerina is not only the longest on the IBSF calendar, but also one of the most demanding technically and mentally. Its 19 curves, navigated in silence by sleds that do not rely on artificial refrigeration, require a fine reading of the ice and an almost intuitive connection between pilot, team and track. Here, speed is built through precision, not through margin for error.

That this venue simultaneously hosts the sixth of seven events of the 2025/2026 World Cup and the European Championships adds an extra dimension to every race. For European athletes, the outcome defines not only overall points but also continental titles, in a context where every detail can make the Olympic difference.

Consolidated leaders and new stories on the ice

In women’s skeleton, Austria’s Janine Flock arrives as the reigning European champion and World Cup leader, backed by a career that already includes twelve continental medals. Around her, rivals such as Kim Meylemans, Amelia Coltman and Kimberley Bos keep alive a battle that blends experience and renewal, while Switzerland looks to return to the podium at home for the first time since 2020. In the men’s field, Britain’s Matt Weston tops the overall standings after a season start marked by cancellations and rescheduled races, on a track where he already knows what it means to win and to be crowned world champion.

The programme also marks a milestone with the debut of the European Mixed Team Skeleton Championships, a race that symbolises the evolution of the sport and its adaptation to more inclusive formats. In parallel, monobob and women’s bobsleigh present a landscape dominated by Germany, with Laura Nolte as the benchmark, while athletes such as Kaillie Armbruster Humphries and Switzerland’s Melanie Hasler bring stories of comeback, consistency and ambition in the middle of the Olympic season.

A clash of powers and living memory in men’s bobsleigh

Men’s bobsleigh arrives in St. Moritz with an internal German showdown that has defined the season. Johannes Lochner leads the standings in two-man bobsleigh, closely followed by Francesco Friedrich, Olympic and world champion, in a rivalry that also extends to the four-man event. Both arrive with recent milestones — including their 100th World Cup podiums — reflecting an era of sustained dominance and excellence.

For Switzerland, competing at home carries special meaning. Pilots such as Michael Vogt, alongside Cédric Follador and Timo Rohner, seek to extend a tradition that has not seen a men’s European champion since the era of Beat Hefti. In this intersection of history and present, St. Moritz becomes more than a venue: a place where the Olympic future begins to take shape, curve by curve.

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Despite these constraints, a small group of athletes continues to keep Spain present on the international circuit thanks to the leadership of Ander Mirambell, a pioneer of skeleton in the country and the first Spaniard to compete in the sport at the Olympic Winter Games. Since retiring from competition after Beijing 2022, Mirambell has taken on a mentorship and technical support role for the emerging generation of sliders.

Creativity as the key to progress without facilities

Spanish athletes rely on a range of alternative training methods, including dry-land push sessions, sprint work, strength training tailored to the explosive start and pilot-training simulators. To complete their technical preparation, the team regularly travels to European ice tracks in Germany, Austria, Italy or Latvia, where they can train on ice and cover aspects that cannot be developed at home.

As part of this constant process of adaptation, the team held a spring training camp in Blanes, far from the usual winter-sport setting. The focus was on strengthening mental and sensory skills directly linked to performance on the ice. As pilot Adrián Rodríguez explained, “training away from our usual environment forces us to stay alert and adapt, and that makes a difference when we return to the ice.”

Underwater training

During the camp, Mirambell introduced a scuba-diving session designed to simulate pressure, limited vision and decision-making under stress. Conducted with technical support on the Catalan coast, the activity sought to recreate—underwater—some of the sensations pilots face when descending an ice track at high speed.

The drill included removing the mask to reduce visibility, locating an object on the seabed and managing stress through controlled breathing. Rodríguez noted that “there was a moment of chaos without the goggles, but my competitive side kicked in and I went straight for the target.” Pilot Leanna García added that “the key was staying calm; when I couldn’t see anything I went up to the surface, but I understood that this was part of the exercise.” Meanwhile, Clara Aznar said that “working without visual references forced me to rely on other senses, something very useful when you react in fractions of a second on the ice.”

Mirambell, pioneer and driving force in Spain

Spain’s presence in these sliding sports has historically been limited, with intermittent participation at the Olympic Winter Games and only one Spanish skeleton athlete until 2022—a role held by Mirambell himself. In recent years, new athletes have joined the programme, including the first Spanish woman to compete at a World Championships, while the national federation works to expand the talent pool.

With the aim of ensuring continuity, Mirambell launched a national talent-identification programme to recruit new pilots for skeleton and bobsleigh. Combining physical and mental assessments, the initiative has helped establish a structured pipeline to support the team throughout the Olympic cycle.

Today, Spanish athletes are competing in the IBSF World Cup with the objective of scoring points toward qualification for Milano Cortina 2026. The combination of international training camps and alternative preparation methods has become essential for compensating the lack of infrastructure in Spain and sustaining the country’s presence in these disciplines.

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At 31, Ro describes herself as a calm person, though she admits her relationship with adrenaline is a curious one. “I’d love to say I’m adventurous, but I’m scared of theme parks,” she laughs. “You can’t get me on the drop zone, but you can get me on a mountain going 70 miles an hour, headfirst, no problem. I’m a walking contradiction, but a very calm person.” That calmness vanishes once she’s on the sled, where she turns into a fierce competitor. “At the end of the day, I’m just a human penguin. You’re going 80 miles an hour and just chillin’.”

Theatre as a tool to overcome fear

Before dedicating herself fully to skeleton, Ro competed in track and field at Queens University of Charlotte, taking part in sprints, hurdles, and the heptathlon. That foundation gave her strength, coordination, and discipline —but her most valuable lessons came from an unexpected place: the theatre. “I had terrible stage fright, so my professors encouraged me to try theatre to build stage presence,” she explains. She started by helping with set design and eventually joined acting and stage combat classes.

“I learned to stay calm, control my breathing, and project confidence. Those are things I apply now every time I compete, when everything feels like it’s moving so fast.” That experience helped her turn fear into a useful tool, one that keeps her grounded under the pressure of elite sport.

A chance encounter with skeleton

Ro grew up as the second of eleven siblings in a middle-class family, learning independence from an early age. “I’m one of eleven; I grew up with limitations, but that made me stronger. Skeleton has always been an expensive sport, for people with means, so I had to make the most of every opportunity.” She credits her mother for teaching her to dream big: “She taught me how to be a dreamer, to imagine and create my own world.”

Her journey into skeleton began almost by chance, when a college teammate received an invitation to a recruitment program. “After my first run, I thought, this is not for me,” she recalls. Still, she decided to give it another try. “I tried again and got hooked. With every run, you relax a little more, and it becomes fun.” That blend of fear and determination has come to define her athletic career.

Different paths to becoming an Olympian

Today, with world championship medals and her sights set on Milano-Cortina 2026, Ro shares a message that goes beyond sport. “It’s important that people understand that everyone’s path to the Olympic Games is different,” she says. Her motivation, she explains, comes from showing what’s possible when you believe in yourself and allow others to support you. “Don’t let society or your surroundings dictate what you can do. Limitations don’t define your destiny.”

She also pays tribute to those who paved the way before her. “Women like Elana Meyers Taylor and Vonetta Flowers broke barriers in winter sports and opened the doors for so many of us.” With quiet conviction, she adds one of the phrases that best sums up her philosophy: “Don’t let people who are temporary in your life have a permanent impact.”

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USA: IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL COMBINES

USA Bobsleigh + Skeleton (USABS) offers aspiring athletes the chance to showcase their abilities through in-person combines held in seven states. Participants are tested on their speed, strength, and athleticism. Additionally, athletes can participate in a virtual combine by uploading videos of themselves performing six activities: a 40-yard sprint, broad jump, 10-yard sprint, vertical jump, an athlete highlight reel, and an interview.

For more information, visit the official recruitment page at USA Bobsled-Skeleton | Recruitment.

THAILAND: RECRUITING FUTURE OLYMPIANS

Thailand is actively seeking new talent for bobsleigh and skeleton through its national federation, the Ski and Snowboard Association of Thailand. Following the success of Agnese Campeol, who won silver at the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games and competed at the 2025 IBSF World Championships, the country is looking to recruit athletes for future Olympic and Youth Olympic Games.

The combine will take place on May 7, with applications open until April 30. More details are available through the Ski and Snowboard Association of Thailand.

CANADA: RBC TRAINING GROUND

In Canada, aspiring bobsleigh and skeleton athletes can participate in skills testing days at the RBC Training Ground. These events, held at locations like the University of Calgary, test athletes on speed, strength, power, and endurance. National sports organization (NSO) partners attend these events to identify and recruit potential Olympic athletes.

Jesse Lumsden, a two-time Bobsleigh Olympian, praised the program: “It’s a great concept and a great program within our country to provide athletes an opportunity to showcase their skill sets and to different NSOs across Canada for sports like bobsleigh and skeleton.”

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With Italy’s extensive experience in hosting the Winter Olympics, Ferriani assured us that preparations for 2026 are underway, promising an event that will celebrate both tradition and innovation. “Italy is committed to delivering an exceptional Olympics in collaboration with the International Olympic Committee and other relevant organizations,” he said. “This experience will not only showcase Italian hospitality but also our nation’s passion for winter sports.” Ferriani’s commitment reflects his belief that major sporting events can serve as a platform for unity, not only among competing athletes but also within a larger network of sports organizations worldwide.

THE FERRIANI’S PROGRESSIVE VISION

The SportAccord forum, bringing together both Olympic and non-Olympic federations, proved the perfect setting to explore Ferriani’s progressive vision. When asked how conventions like these can contribute to sports development, Ferriani highlighted their role as hubs of innovation and collaboration. “This gathering allows numerous international sports federations to share their experiences, showcase the various tools and strategies they use within their organizations, and make these resources available to others,” Ferriani said. “Without these exchanges, we simply shouldn’t expect progress or development.” His words underscored the importance of communication across different sports disciplines, emphasizing that growth is often rooted in shared knowledge and collective problem-solving.

As President of the IBSF, Ferriani faces his own unique set of challenges in advancing the sport of bobsleigh and skeleton, particularly within Europe. He explained that, for now, his top priority lies in finalizing the athlete qualification mechanisms for the Milano-Cortina Games. “Fortunately, the IBSF competition season wraps up before the Olympics, so we can focus on this process,” he noted. “The IBSF has seen remarkable growth and development in recent years, and our athletes are putting in tremendous effort. Of course, we face challenges, but overall, conditions in the IBSF are excellent.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE E-SPORTS

Ferriani’s dedication to the athletes, however, goes beyond the traditional frameworks of training and competition. Recognizing the evolving landscape of sports and the increasing digitalization within it, Ferriani has turned his attention toward the world of e-sports, viewing it as a bridge to connect young audiences with traditional sports. “As an Olympian, I feel a responsibility to engage and empower young people,” he said. “E-sports offer a unique platform to introduce the youth to sports values like fair play and integrity.” Ferriani’s approach to e-sports isn’t just about staying current; it’s about fostering a sports culture rooted in ethical practices and broad accessibility. His vision of e-sports aims to inspire a new generation of athletes and enthusiasts who value both digital and physical sports realms.

Ferriani also highlighted how the IBSF has embraced e-sports as an educational tool. Through virtual platforms, people worldwide can explore the sport of bobsleigh and skeleton, gaining an understanding that traditional exposure might not provide. “Within the IBSF, e-sports allow people to experience our sport on a virtual level,” he explained. “Many who start with e-sports gain a genuine interest and are inspired to join us in real-world settings.” His words suggest that e-sports may be a gateway to sustained interest and participation in traditional sports, offering young people a direct, accessible pathway to becoming part of the global sports community.

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FIL and IBSF Executive Committee members took advantage of back-to-back meetings and met to discuss topics of mutual interest. They received updates from their experts on the progress of the Milano Cortina 2026 sliding center. Both Federations confirmed that the pre-homologation will take place in March 2025. FIL and IBSF reaffirmed their full support to the Milano Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee and to the construction of the new track in Cortina. They also affirmed their support for the legacy of the track and committed to hosting international events after the Olympic Games.

In constructive exchanges, the Executive Committee members also discussed topics such as sustainability, cost efficiency and new initiatives for the benefit of sliding sports, as well as improved television production. Members also had the opportunity to interact with various operators around the world, discussing the organization of sliding events, track management and other operational efficiencies.

“We look forward to more similar initiatives in the future”

IBSF President, Ivo Ferriani, expressed his gratitude to the Olympic Regional Development Authority for hosting both congresses back-to-back, which facilitated efficient travel and productive exchanges. “It was a very productive meeting and we look forward to more similar initiatives in the future,” commented Ferriani.

IDF President Einars Fogelis commented, “We are grateful to ORDA for organizing these back-to-back Congresses, which allowed both Federations to have the opportunity to have joint meetings and do strategic planning for the future. Since we have National Federations attending both Congresses, it was more sustainable as it prevented members from making separate trips to different meeting locations.”

Rebecca Dayton, general manager of Mount VanHoevenberg, added, “The Olympic Authority was honored to host the IDF and IBSF Congresses in Lake Placid this year. This event presented a remarkable opportunity to highlight the significant investments made by New York State. In addition, the joint day of meetings between FIL, IBSF and track operators from around the world was invaluable, as it allowed us to address the common challenges and opportunities facing our sports in an increasingly competitive landscape. from a wide range of perspectives on the future of sliding sports is not only exciting but also indicative of the global commitment to advancing these disciplines.”

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