After prosperous years on the international scene in women’s cross-country with the Olympic medals of Alison Sydor, Catharine Pendrel and Marie-Hélène Prémont and very good performances from Emily Batty, Canada experienced more difficult times during the recent years, but a 19-year-old runner could bring back the glory of the past.
Gold medalist at the World Cup in Lake Placid last weekend among the U-23s during a historic double where the Canadian Cole Punchard also climbed to the highest step of the podium among the men, Isabella Holmgren represents a leading hope.
“I had a good weekend in Lake Placid and I hope to find the same sensations during my race at home,” said the Ontarian who also finished second in the short track. It’s amazing to see Cole’s successes. Canada is banking on good young riders and is heading in the right direction. We will be back among the best nations.”
A family activity
Holmgren’s successes are not surprising, as she is in her first season among the under-23s. Growing up in a family where mountain biking was a big part, she started cycling at age four and competing five years later. The family’s five children have all practiced mountain biking and three of them are pursuing careers on the international scene.
“We started young and we always had a lot of fun,” she said. It was a family activity. With my parents, we went to the courses near our house. Pleasure is the most important factor.”
Even though her father, Rob, is her coach and her mother spent some time on the World Cup circuit, Isabella has always practiced mountain biking for pleasure.
“My parents never put pressure on us. Two family members have stopped competing, but they remain big fans. They make sacrifices. Instead of a family vacation at the beach, we go to races.”
Olympic Games with his brother
The Olympic Games represent a dream for many athletes. The pleasure of being selected is immense and this joy is even greater when you have the chance to live this experience in the company of a loved one.
This is what happened this summer in Paris for Isabella and her brother Gunnar, who were the only two Canadians selected. “I was very happy to be chosen and the pleasure was even greater because of the selection of my brother,” underlined the gold medalist of the junior world cross-country and cyclo-cross events in 2023. was very special, especially since there were several family members present in Paris. I had an incredible experience.”
“I didn’t have my best race [elle a terminé à la 17e place]added Holmgren, but this first Olympic experience inspires me and motivates me even more for the next Games.
If her brother will start at Mont-Sainte-Anne, her twin, Ava, will not be present. She represented Canada at the world road championships in Switzerland and remained in Europe for another race.
“We have a very, very good relationship and it’s fun to be able to count on her during our long training outings. Ava is the biggest reason for my success.”
