Kate O'Brien (cyclist)
Kate O'Brien (born March 8, 1988) is a Canadian track cyclist and former bobsledder. She represented Canada at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in track cycling.
Prior to her cycling career, O'Brien was a successful bobsledder. She made the Canadian national team in 2014.
In 2017, O'Brien suffered a serious head injury during a training accident while preparing for the UCI Track Cycling World Championships. The accident occurred at the Centre Mondial du Cyclisme in Aigle, Switzerland. She sustained significant neurological damage, including a traumatic brain injury.
Following extensive rehabilitation, O'Brien has become an advocate for brain injury awareness and recovery. She has documented her recovery process and shared her experiences publicly, inspiring others facing similar challenges. She has also worked to raise awareness about the importance of helmet safety in cycling. While her elite athletic career was cut short, she remains involved in the cycling community and continues to inspire others through her resilience and advocacy.