Alberta cyclist reflects after unexpected Olympic debut
Alison Jackson, a cyclist from the town of Vermilion, was called last minute to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to join Team Canada in the women’s cycling road race final Sunday.
“It was a wild ride, but that’s a call you don’t say no to,” said Jackson. She received the call from the performance manager of cycling Canada just 10 days before the Olympic race.
Jackson was the first alternate for Team Canada during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, and again for Tokyo 2020. This year, she filled a spot left vacant on the team due to another country pulling out of Sunday’s 137-kilometre woman’s road race.
The 32-year-old cyclist says her first Olympic Games experience, although unique, also validated her talents as an athlete.
“It confirmed a lot of things for me like, I’m meant to be here, I’m one of the top Canadian riders and I belong in this high level race,” said Jackson.
Jackson made it to Tokyo after a switch up in flights due complications with her COVID-19 paperwork in Vancouver. She was rerouted to a longer flight out of Toronto adding an extra travel day, something has stressful effects on the body and mind.
Despite the unconventional journey to the games, Jackson says she’s used to adapting to chaotic situations.
“As an athlete one of our skills is being adaptable. You have to be adaptable and you learn how to manage chaos and stress and disappointment.”
Alison Jackson (left) joined Team Canada in the woman's cycling road race final. COURTESY: Alison Jackson
Jackson raced in the company of Leah Kirchmann and Karol-Ann Canul in Sunday’s four hour course along the Fuji International Speedway, a road the Olympic athlete describes as very difficult.
“The course was really hard. Lots of climbing, really long hard climb and then these circuits on the fuji circuit raceway had a lot of turns, ups and downs,” said Jackson.
Jackson’s family watched the four hour-race unfold late into the night as the cyclist from the farming community just two hours east of Edmonton lived out her Olympic dreams.
“It's shock and surreal,” said Nathan Farkash, Jackson’s brother. “Making it to the Olympics is rare and to have one in the family is a momentous achievement and for our community.”
The top rider on team Canada finished 16th in the race, but Canada did not end up with a medal.
For Jackson, being able to soak up her experience and see the unity the Olympic Games can bring was a victory in itself.
“Family and friends and anyone who has known me were also just so exited and (felt) my joy,” said Jackson. “I think that’s what the power of sport is, and I think that’s the best part of the Olympics.”
With files from CTV Edmonton's Touria Izri.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.