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Writer's pictureLorna Hamilton

Local Alison Jackson Second Olympic Run


Cyclist Alison Jackson (daughter of Ken and Mavis Farkash of Vermilion), also known as “Action Jackson,” is set to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, starting on July 26 when she participates in the Opening Ceremony (streaming on CBC Sport live at 11.30 a.m. MDT, local Vermilion time). This marks another significant milestone in Jackson’s illustrious career, adding to her extensive list of accolades.

In a recent press release, CTS, a global leader in endurance coaching, announced, “CTS is proud to support Canadian cycling champion Alison Jackson, who was named to the 2024 Canadian Olympic Cycling Team for the Road Race and Time Trial on June 26th, 2024, (The Women’s Cycling Road Race is Aug 4, streaming live on CBC sports from 6.00-10.00 am MDT, local Vermilion time). The winner of the 2023 Paris-Roubaix Femmes and four-time Canadian National Champion, Jackson is now a two-time Olympian, following her participation in the 2020 Tokyo Games.”

Canada’s final Olympic quotas confirmed the selection of road cyclists based on their global performances and adaptability to the Olympic course. Cycling Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee recently announced the roster of Team Canada cycling athletes nominated to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The 21 athletes representing Canada include:

BMX Racing: Molly Simpson (Red Deer, Alta.)

Mountain Bike: Isabella Holmgren (Orillia, Ont.), and Gunnar Holmgren (Orillia, Ont.)

Road: Olivia Baril (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.), Derek Gee (Ottawa), Alison Jackson (Vermilion, Alta.), and Michael Woods (Ottawa)

Track (Endurance): Erin Attwell (Victoria), Dylan Bibic (Mississauga, Ont.), Ariane Bonhomme (Gatineau, Que.), Maggie Coles-Lyster (Maple Ridge, B.C.), Michael Foley (Milton, Ont.), Mathias Guillemette (Trois-Rivières, Que.), Carson Mattern (Ancaster, Ont.), and Sarah Van Dam (Victoria)

Track (Sprint): Lauriane Genest (Levis, Que.), James Hedgcock (Ancaster, Ont.), Kelsey Mitchell (Sherwood Park, Alta.), Sarah Orban (Calgary), Tyler Rorke (Baden, Ont.), and Nick Wammes (Bothwell, Ont.)

Jackson races professionally for EF-Oatly-Cannondale and is recognized as a strong all-around rider with a powerful sprint. She clinched both the 2023 Paris-Roubaix Femmes and Stage 2 of the 2024 La Vuelta Feminina in sprint finishes.

CTS CEO Jeff Pierce, previously the High-Performance Director in charge of Selection at USA Cycling, commented on Jackson’s selection, saying, “This selection is a great honour for Alison. Olympic Team selections are the toughest to achieve as they happen only once every four years, the number of quota positions is limited, and everyone is vying for them. An athlete must perform consistently at the highest levels of international racing over a significant time period just to be considered.”

In preparation for the Paris Olympics, Jackson has been undergoing special heat training, which involves intense indoor sessions. “It’s a thing that a lot of teams are doing, basically trapping in that heat in a white painter’s suit, heat suit, and sweating as much as you can just to be able to manage the heat,” Jackson explained. She also participated in the Baloise Ladies Tour in Belgium which began on July 17 (concluding on July 21) for additional race preparation.

Reflecting on her journey, Jackson recalled watching the Olympics as an eight-year-old and being inspired by rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming. “This would be the most amazing thing to do,” she thought.

Now, as a two-time Olympian, Jackson shared, “It feels like a big success. Only the top 2 cyclists in the country get chosen for the Olympic Road Race. To be one of Canada’s best athletes and earn a spot to Team Canada for my second Olympic Games is something I’m really proud of. To come from a small prairie town to the top of elite sport is something all of Vermilion can get excited about and be proud of!”

Alison Jackson’s determination and success continue to inspire as she gears up for another Olympic challenge, representing Canada on the world stage.

Jackson also commented, “Honoured and excited to represent my country, my community, my family, my fans, my teammates, and that little girl who just wanted to PLAY and say YES to all the wild new opportunities God put in her way.” You can check out Jackson’s Instagram at @aliactionjackson if you would like to follow along.

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