Doing it ‘the Canadian way’: Cynthia Appiah revels in World Cup bobsleigh silver
Fresh off her impressive silver medal win in the monobob event at the World Cup in Lillehammer, Canada’s Cynthia Appiah is basking in the glow of national pride. The Toronto native expressed her deep sense of patriotism, emphasizing the values of fairness, kindness, and camaraderie that embody the Canadian spirit. Appiah’s remarkable performance, with a combined time of one minute, 48.66 seconds down the challenging 16-corner track, has set the stage for her upcoming participation in the world championships in Lake Placid, N.Y.
Looking ahead to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics, Appiah is determined to make a mark by clinching the coveted title of world champion. Reflecting on her debut at the Beijing 2022 Games, where she finished in eighth place in both the monobob and two-woman events, Appiah acknowledged the lessons learned from the experience and is now focused on honing her skills for future success. With renewed confidence and a strategic approach, she is gearing up for the upcoming Olympics with a calm and collected mindset.
The upcoming Olympics in Milan-Cortina 2026 hold special significance for Appiah, as 90 percent of the venues are being reused, including the Eugenio Monti track where bobsleigh events will take place. The reconstruction of the track presents an opportunity for all competitors to compete on a level playing field, ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for success. Appiah is optimistic about the progress of the track construction and is looking forward to testing it during the homologation test event in October 2025.
Despite the challenges posed by funding issues and logistical costs in bobsleigh, Appiah remains steadfast in her commitment to representing Canada on the international stage. She highlighted the financial burden of nearly $40,000 incurred this year alone, underscoring the dedication and sacrifice required to compete at the highest level. Appiah’s resilience and determination shine through as she navigates these challenges and continues to pursue her athletic goals.
In addition to her individual achievements, Appiah is also championing diversity and inclusivity in bobsleigh, celebrating the historic milestone achieved by her teammates Cyrus Gray and Shaq Murray-Lawrence. As the first Black pilot-brakeman duo to compete in a World Cup two-man bobsleigh race, Gray and Murray-Lawrence are breaking barriers and paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in Canadian sport. Appiah encourages Canadians to support and recognize the talent and potential of these trailblazing athletes, who are poised to shine on the world stage.
As Appiah prepares for the world championships in Lake Placid and sets her sights on the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics, her unwavering determination, national pride, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. With her eyes set on the podium and her heart set on making history, Cynthia Appiah is a shining example of Canadian sportsmanship and resilience.
