Katie Archibald Finds Joy in Cycling Again After Overcoming Adversity

Katie Archibald has discovered a renewed sense of happiness on her bike, a remarkable sentiment for a cyclist who has faced tremendous challenges in recent years. Following a series of serious injuries, including a back fracture and a broken collarbone, Archibald’s journey took a devastating turn when she was hit by a car in the summer of 2022, resulting in two sprained ankles. Tragically, that August, her partner, mountain biker Rab Wardell, passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac arrest.

As Archibald looked toward the Paris Olympics, she hoped for a brighter future. However, a minor mishap—a trip on a garden step she regularly uses—resulted in a dislocated foot, which shattered both bones and tore ligaments, dashing her Olympic dreams just weeks before the event.

After enduring a grueling summer of rehabilitation, the 30-year-old athlete estimates she has regained about 80% of her physical capability. Yet, her time away from competitive cycling has granted her a deeper appreciation for the sport. As she prepares to compete in this week’s track cycling World Championships, she emphasizes the importance of enjoying the experience rather than fixating solely on results.

“I just wanted to be back on my bike, reclaim my routine, and enjoy the freedom that comes from doing what I love,” Archibald explains. “Now, being able to contribute to track sessions rather than feeling like a burden brings me immense joy, and I am more aware of these positive elements than ever before.”

Archibald’s recent injury was a significant setback stemming from what initially seemed a trivial accident. At first, she struggled to accept the reality that her Olympic aspirations were slipping away. She sought reassurance from doctors, convinced they didn’t fully grasp the impact of her cycling career, and that perhaps she could still find a way to compete. It was only after a heartfelt conversation with British Cycling’s performance director, Stephen Park, that she understood the situation’s gravity, ultimately lifting a burden from her shoulders.

Reflecting on the last couple of years, Archibald admits she has felt cornered by her circumstances. This pressure has driven her to be meticulous about her training, sometimes making her difficult to work with. She acknowledges her intensity was fueled by the desire to compete in Paris under less than ideal conditions.

As she watched her teammates prepare for the Olympics, Archibald experienced feelings of jealousy. The anticipation of her first event, the team pursuit, was overwhelming. However, as the Games progressed, she found solace in watching as a fan, allowing herself to escape the disappointment of her own absence from the competition.

Looking ahead, Archibald is excited to participate in the team pursuit and madison events at the World Championships in Ballerup, Denmark. She is also motivated by the prospect of the LA 2028 Olympics. In the meantime, she plans to collaborate with a new coach, allowing her to relinquish some control and explore new avenues, including the possibility of pursuing a university degree.

“This feels like the beginning of a new chapter in my journey,” she says. “I have the freedom to explore, make mistakes, and learn from them, and that is incredibly empowering.”