“Katie Archibald: Finding Strength in Sport Amidst Personal Tragedy”

Katie Archibald: "My job satisfaction is a 10, but the rest of my life is definitely not" Katie Archibald, gearing up to represent Great Britain at the world championships in Denmark, is setting her sights on the upcoming LA Olympics. However, her journey has been profoundly affected by the tragic loss of her partner and a serious injury. As she reflects on the stark contrasts between her sporting life and personal struggles, the depth of her emotions is palpable. Tears well up in her eyes, revealing the raw pain she carries, making it feel almost intrusive to witness such vulnerability. In an attempt to offer comfort, I lightly touch her arm before shifting my gaze to the sleek, fast-moving GB men’s team pursuit squad racing on the track. The soft whoosh of their bikes fills the air at the Manchester Velodrome, where preparations are underway for the track world championships set to begin in Ballerup, Denmark. Archibald, a five-time world champion and gold medalist from the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, is set to compete in both the women’s team pursuit and Madison events. Just being back on the track is a remarkable achievement for her.