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RBC Olympian, Cynthia Appiah talks bobsledding, fitness and family.

Cynthia Appiah didn’t set out to be a Team Canada Olympic bobsledder. In fact, she feels she sort of  “stumbled into” sports

“I was first introduced to competitive sports through recreational sports,” recalls Cynthia. “Through a free program targeted to kids in low-income neighbourhoods, I was introduced to baseball.”

Cynthia Appiah

“I wasn’t good at it, but it was fun and I was able to challenge myself.”

Cynthia’s foray into the professional side of sports came when she began participating in track and field events. Despite her initial desire to be a sprinter, Cynthia chose shot put and found success.

“It gave me the opportunity to try something new and different that allowed me to be active with a wide array of friends and peers in the sport.”

 

So how does one go from shot put to… bobsledding? For Cynthia, it was a simple matter of being willing to try new things.

“In the summer of 2010, we were doing tryouts for things, and I started feeling like I wanted to find a different way to be in sports without it being in track and field,” says Cynthia. “The following winter, I got invited to a camp and had the opportunity to try out the bobsled. I was actually kind of nervous going in!”

“Then I got in the sled, and the nerves disappeared. It was like a mental switch flipped, and I knew that this was it for me.”

The Next Level

That spark ignited and drove Cynthia to train, with an eye on becoming an Olympian. Her training split into the summer off-season (5 days a week, approximately 4 hours a day focusing on her strength, speed and mental game), and in-season training (3 days a week but for 6-8 hours a day, supplemented by 2-3 minutes of actual sliding that includes 2-3 hours of prep beforehand).

But she’s quick to point out that there were others behind the bobsled who helped her reach that next level.

 

Bobsleighing

 

“On the TV it’s just me, but you don’t see all the other helpers – 2 break women to polish runners or sled, the team who brings up my sled, etc.  We are all in this together.”

Keeping Fitness Fun

You might think with all her training, Cynthia doesn’t partake in fitness for fun. Not true!

“Ironically what I like to do for fun is shot putting, which is a summer sport!” she laughs. “It’s great to get back to a sport I love, but by not doing it competitively, I’m able to ‘de-train’ my brain and enjoy it more.” So, what advice would she give the average person who’s not looking toward the Olympics, but toward a healthier lifestyle?

“Going outside for a walk is the perfect way to get started. It takes minimal effort and there’s no need to
invest in equipment to do it. Or try a recreational sport that’s available and free.”

 

Bobsleighing

 

“Think back to when you were a kid, and you got introduced to a new sport. You never questioned whether you could do it – you just did it!  It’s a great way to re-set your mindset about the limitations we put on ourselves and our ability to be physically active.”

Cynthia also credits her family as being a key part of her well-being.

“For me, the biggest thing is family connection. They keep you grounded in reality. While doing sports, you live in a bubble, so it’s great to get out of that bubble every so often to rest and reset.”

“That mental wellness is a critical part of being an athlete as well; we have programs available where we learn to reset our minds as well as our bodies.”

What About Financial Wellness?

It’s not hard to see there are parallels between Cynthia’s journey as an RBC Olympian and a person’s financial wellness; it’s about setting a goal, working towards it with determination and finding the right balance with your support team. Like your RBC advisor, for example!

Perhaps the most important lesson is to take that first step! Savings don’t just happen. And plans take time to bear fruit. But when you have a goal in mind and put a plan in place, with the right support system, you’re on your way to Olympic-level financial wellness!