In an extraordinary sporting crossover that defies convention, British shot put champion Amelia Strickler is embarking on a daring mission to become Team GB's bobsleigh pilot at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 30-year-old athlete, who claimed her fourth UK shot put title this summer, has begun intensive training on the ice tracks of Europe, trading her familiar throwing circle for the adrenaline-fuelled world of bobsleigh racing.
A Natural Transition
Strickler's remarkable physical power, developed through years of elite throwing competition, provides the perfect foundation for bobsleigh's demanding requirements. Her explosive strength and athletic prowess are now being channelled into mastering the art of piloting a sled at speeds exceeding 80mph.
"The physical attributes needed for bobsleigh align surprisingly well with throwing," explained a Team GB insider. "Amelia's power generation, body control and mental fortitude make this transition more logical than it might initially appear."
The Road to Milan-Cortina
Strickler's journey to the 2026 Games represents one of the most ambitious code-switches in recent British sporting history. Her training regimen now includes:
- Technical piloting sessions on European ice tracks
- Adapting to the G-forces experienced during high-speed descent
- Developing the split-second decision making required for navigation
- Building team coordination with potential brakemen
The Gloucestershire-born athlete faces a rigorous qualification process, needing to accumulate sufficient points through international competitions to secure her place on the Olympic team.
Following in Famous Footsteps
Strickler joins an elite group of British athletes who have successfully transitioned between summer and winter sports. Her journey echoes previous successful conversions that have brought medals and memorable moments to Team GB's winter campaigns.
This bold move highlights the growing recognition of transferable athletic skills across different sporting disciplines, with strength and power athletes finding new opportunities in winter sports that demand similar physical attributes.
As Strickler accelerates toward her Olympic dream, the sporting world watches with fascination to see if this shot put champion can indeed become Britain's next bobsleigh hero.
