After enduring significant challenges, cyclist Katie Archibald is approaching the future with optimism and determination. With the Los Angeles Olympics set for 2028, she is eager to embrace new experiences and opportunities. Over the past two years, I’ve faced considerable obstacles in cycling, but I’ve also been quite stubborn about how I want my training to be managed,” Archibald said. “It felt essential to achieve perfection. Now, I realize that reaching something extraordinary in LA requires me to explore new avenues. I have three years to experiment.”
Archibald plans to collaborate with a new coach, intending to relinquish control of much of her training regimen. “I want to learn from others,” she explained. “For too long, I’ve micromanaged my career; now, I want to be open to guidance. When the Olympic cycle reaches its fourth year, I can take charge again.”
In a lighter moment, she shared her intention to relax on the bike and challenge herself beyond it. “I’m enrolling in an Access course at Glasgow University to prepare for university applications,” she revealed. “I’m interested in pursuing a nursing degree and want to learn more about it.”
Archibald credited fellow cyclist Emma Finucane for helping her adopt a less pressurized outlook. Finucane, a 21-year-old sprint champion who won three medals in Paris, has influenced Archibald’s approach. “Emma has been a significant impact on me. While preparing for the Olympics, we set a target for three events together. Her youthful wisdom reminded me of the importance of focusing on opportunities rather than threats. It’s refreshing to see someone at the beginning of their career still connected to that feeling.”
As she prepares for the upcoming world championships, Archibald feels an increased sense of freedom. “There’s no pressure on me to win,” she said. “It’s amusing that my first world championship selection was in 2014, and this upcoming selection in 2024 has been equally challenging, but now I can truly celebrate it.”
Reflecting on personal relationships, Archibald fondly remembered her late teammate Rab, who infused joy into her life. “We once argued over something trivial, like cleaning,” she recalled. “It’s a funny dynamic—loving someone for how they make you feel, yet getting annoyed by the little things.”
A newfound lightness surrounds Archibald as she acknowledges her unique strengths, both on and off the bike. Following the world championships, she will attend the wedding of her former teammate Elinor Barker, with whom she has shared numerous victories. “I set two goals for myself: first, to be selected for the world championship, and second, to dance at Elinor’s wedding. I can assure you, there will be no stopping me on that dance floor,” she concluded with a smile.
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