Lethbridge's Mikka Eaves, shown competing at the RBC Training Ground event in Calgary in March 2025, has been named a finalist. (Photo: Laura James)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge woman named finalist in future Olympians competition

Sep 25, 2025 | 11:09 AM

An athlete from Lethbridge is being recognized as having Olympic potential.

Mikka Eaves is a finalist in RBC Training Ground.

The short track speed skater has been named one of the top 100 contestants out of more than 2,500 athletes from a wide range of sports who tried out.

Eaves wrote in her national final profile, “I was in Lethbridge visiting family and was enjoying a picnic with my grandparents when I heard I’d made the final. I’m so excited for the opportunity, and the doors it may open for me.”

RBC Training Ground seeks to identify those who have the potential to compete at the Olympic Games by having them perform core speed, strength, power and endurance tests in front of Olympic talent scouts.

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Participants either aim to find the sport they are most suited for or earn a funding boost in their existing sport.

Elizabeth Ward, Short Track Program Coach at the Olympic Oval, says she was impressed with Eaves’ performance, but was not surprised, based on her level of dedication.

“Mikka is one of the hardest-working athletes I’ve ever worked with (or even known). She’s incredibly dedicated to being the best and will do whatever it takes to get there,” said Ward.

Ward described the kind of schedule Eaves had to endure to take part in the program.

“We had 7:00 a.m. ice sessions, and she was on the bus by 5:15 a.m. to make it on time. She started coaching, often four to five nights a week, all while doing online school and keeping up with her training. She never once complained. Not about the early mornings, the commute, or the challenges she faced with her living situation,” said Ward. “She also works 20-30 hours a week at a pharmacy, so RBC Training Ground funding would be a game changer for her.”

The RBC Training Ground National Final is set to take place on November 1, 2025, in Vancouver.

The 100 finalists will be narrowed down to just 35 winners, each of whom will join a mentorship program with Olympic athletes and coaches, and receive financial assistance.

Since the program’s founding in 2016, RBC Training Ground Alumni have won fourteen Olympic medals, including seven at the 2024 Games in Paris.