Local speed skater earns spot in RBC Training Ground final

By Lethbridge Herald on September 25, 2025.

Laura James Photo Mikka Eaves is seen competing at the RBC Training Ground qualifier in Calgary earlier this year.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge short track speed skater Mikka Eaves was named  a finalist for the RBC Training Ground final this week, where talent is searched for across Canada on behalf of the Canadian Olympic Committee.

“RBC Training Ground is a nation-wide talent identification and athlete-funding program dedicated to finding and supporting the next generation of Canadian Olympians”, as read in the release.

Eaves was a part of a group of over 2,500 athletes between the ages of 14-25 from various sports that competed in local qualifiers throughout the year around Canada.

“Pretty amazing,” said Eaves, on making the finals.

“I’ve attended the qualifying events for three years now and this is the first year I’ve heard back for the final as opposed to just from different sport partners. So, to be able to go and know that it’s for the sport that I’m already in is a really exciting opportunity.”

The athletes had to put their abilities to the test through speed, strength, power and endurance performances.

Eaves were up against a group of boys at the qualifier in Calgary.

“So not much competition during the sprints and the jumps,” said Eaves.

“But during the beep test it was definitely nice to have some of my teammates there who were around the same fitness level. It actually came down to me and one of my other teammates from Lethbridge (Zak Adelman) who trained with me in Calgary.”

Eaves spoke about what she did differently in terms of training from the last couple of years when she did not get the call to go the final.

“I think just as I’ve gotten faster on ice, I’ve also improved in my plyometrics and my power off ice,” said Eaves.

“The things like the jumps and the sprints have definitely improved.”

She is uncertain what the final will be like.

“From what I’ve seen on social media in the past it looks great and I’m really excited to be able to go and push myself, said Eaves.

“Mikka is one of the hardest-working athletes I’ve ever worked with (or even known). She’s incredibly dedicated to being the best and will do whatever it takes to get there,” said Elizabeth Ward, Short Skating coach at Calgary’ Olympic Oval.

There will be 100 athletes from across the country who wilk make their way to Vancouver to participate in the RBC Training Ground final on Nov. 1.

From there, 35 athletes will be selected for the funding, earn a spot in a national development program with a National Sport Organization that is a partner and a quicker path to the Olympics.

Eaves had been competing and training for speed skating in Calgary up until July and now is at the National Training Centre in Montreal.