Photos by Laurel Jarvis.
Two Peterborough-area athletes are among 100 finalists for RBC Training Ground, the Canadian Olympic Committee’s official cross-country talent search, after joining more than 3,000 athletes aged 14 to 25 in free 2026 qualifiers testing speed, strength, power and endurance before Olympic talent scouts.
Emilie Mirfield, 21, and Robyn Ellis, 24, were named finalists this week after taking part in these qualifier events held across Canada.
Mirfield, a member of the women’s rowing team at Trent University, is looking to build on her existing sport at the national final.
“Emilie has been consistent and committed throughout the summer and has shown a strong willingness to learn and improve as she continues developing in the sport making her a strong candidate for the final,” said Chuck McDiarmid, High Performance Manager with Rowing Canada.
For Ellis, a decorated rugby player from Bridgenorth, RBC Training Ground has opened the door to a new sport. Ellis is a talent-transfer athlete who only began track cycling through the program’s sport-specific testing.
“Robyn is a talent transfer athlete, meaning this athlete has never participated in track cycling until RBC Training Ground sport specific testing,” said Stephen McMullan, a coach with Cycling Canada. “Her peak power abilities are already at a National level, and she demonstrates the commitment level, and physical qualities (peak power) and fundamental track cycling skills that we think could make her a future Olympian.”
The national final takes place October 3 in Toronto, where the finalists will undergo further testing against sport-specific high-performance benchmarks. 35 athletes will receive funding, join a national development program with one of 16 partner National Sport Organizations and gain an accelerated pathway toward the Olympics.
(Written by: Felicia Massey)
