Canadian bobsledder Cynthia Appiah's story enforces the potential in reimagining your calling

Perhaps one of the most fascinating and impactful origin stories at the Olympics is of bobsledder Cynthia Appiah. Appiah was recently named to the Canadian bobsleigh team.

The 35-year-old brakewoman grew up in Toronto Public Housing and bobsled came to her by “falling into her lap.”

We chatted about her love of her sport, misconceptions about bobsleigh, and her other love: the game show Jeopardy!

The daughter of Ghanaian immigrants was taught early about earning her place in the world, which also translated to her place in the driver’s seat on the national team.

“I think everything that I've done in life has really fallen into that,” she said in an interview. “As the basis of everything I do, I give 110 per cent on, because I would have to deal with my mother if I didn't [or] if I didn't do well,” she added laughing.

Appiah did not play soccer as a child despite it being a beloved sport in her family’s home country of Ghana. She played baseball through a program offered by Jays Care Foundation which led to her being a fan of the team, and even working in ticket sales.

“I remember asking my dad if I could go play soccer, and he was just like, we don't have the money. We can't do it. And so my only outlet through sport was anything that was just cost effective.”

Canadian bobsleigh pilot Cynthia Appiah on chasing 'Cool Runnings dreams'

According to the Aspen Institute, winter sports are considered to be more expensive for youth because of the equipment and travel costs. Appiah’s participation and success in sports was directed by access at an early age.

She also began to compete in athletics in shot put and weight throw. She had a successful career at York University as a student-athlete while studying history and