By Jessie Weisner (Twitter: @Jessie__Weisner)

Local Olympian participates in Amazing Race Canada

Jun 20, 2018 | 5:12 PM

An Olympian from the central Alberta area will soon be featured on the big screen in a much different way.

Skeleton bronze medalist Mellisa Hollingsworth, who grew up on an Eckville ranch, is featured in the latest season of Amazing Race Canada. The 2018 season’s theme is heroes, featuring participants such as first responders, elite athletes, coaches and other inspirational Canadians.

All participants needed to be nominated for the show, and Hollingsworth got involved when her future partner, Nancy Csabay, reached out.

“She had posted on social media ‘I would love to do this, this is on my bucket list, who wants to do this with me?’ There were probably 100 people that responded to her, me being one,” says Hollingsworth.

Hollingsworth has been on the broadcasting team for the Calgary Stampede for the past eight years, interviewing winners of various competitions.

Two-Year Diploma

Red Deer Polytechnic creates accelerated Practical Nurse Diploma pathway for health care professionals

3h ago

advocating for strategic action

Red Deer & District Chamber of Commerce comment on Land Use Bylaw public hearing

4h ago

Chance to win prizes

Registration open for Green Deer spring cleanup campaign

5h ago

She met her partner only a few years ago through her work at the event.

“The unique thing about my partner and I is that we didn’t have a pre-existing relationship,” says Hollingsworth. “She had won a round at Calgary Stampede back in 2015 and I got to interview her, so that was it. That was our only interaction really.”

The pair each had a connection to barrel racing, and quickly formed a strong relationship.

Hollingsworth adds that her roots have always been very important to her success.

“I’m so excited to be able to represent the community, especially coming from a ranch and small communities, that’s been a part of my story,” she says.

The three-time Olympian who retired after the Sochi 2014 Games hopes to spread the message of strength among people who feel held back because of where they come from.

“If there’s something you’ve always desired to be a part of or to go and experience, well then you put that out there, and you work towards those types of goals and it’s amazing what can actually come true.”

The premiere of Amazing Race Canada: Hero’s Edition airs on July 3, 2018.