Sam Nahrgang - NAIT Athletics

LIMA, PERU – Former NAIT Ooks women's soccer player Kelsey Mitchell earned a gold and silver medal in cycling at the 2019 Pan Am Games this past weekend in Lima, Peru.

A product of the RBC Training Ground program, Mitchell put down her soccer cleats and got on the bike when Cycling Canada came calling following her convincing tryout at the national combine. Fast forward 15 months after getting on the bike for the first time, Kelsey has captured several provincial and national medals and earned a spot on the Canadian National Team.

Kelsey can now add two Pan Am medals to her resume. She picked up a silver in the Women's Team Sprint with her teammate Amelia Walsh. Mitchell then went on to win gold in the Women's Individual Sprint, after breaking the Pan Am record for Women's 200m Sprint in qualifying, with a time of 10.89 seconds.

"Honestly words can't describe how I feel right now. The last year and a half has been such a whirlwind with so many ups and downs. It's been very challenging but I wouldn't change a thing, because it's been rewarding and enjoyable at the same time," said Mitchell. "I want to thank everyone for their support. I've got an unbelievable support system back home and the best teammates and coaches here. I couldn't have done it without them."

Mitchell will now look forward to the upcoming cycling season where she will try to secure a spot in the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

"I can't wait to get back to work and see how far I can ride this thing...no pun intended."