Mel Pemble has accumulated twice as many world championship medals as years she has been involved in her sport. The Para cyclist from Victoria secured four additional medals during the recent track event in Rio de Janeiro, including a gold in the sprint discipline.
After facing disappointment with a fourth-place finish at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Pemble rebounded by achieving her best-ever medal count at the world championships, setting her sights on the upcoming L.A. 2028 Games. Born with cerebral palsy affecting her right side, Pemble competes in the C-class category, where new events were introduced at this year’s worlds in Rio. She clinched the historic sprint title, marking her eleventh world medal.
Expressing her excitement, Pemble shared her feelings upon winning the title, emphasizing the significance of bringing the victory back to Canada. This triumph served as redemption following her close fourth-place finish in Paris, where she narrowly missed the podium due to a timing adjustment against a competitor with greater impairments.
Transitioning from Winter Paralympics to cycling three years ago, Pemble has excelled in her new sport, also competing in road cycling at the Paralympic level. Training under Sébastien Travers in Bromont, Que., since 2023, Pemble has demonstrated remarkable commitment and maturity, leading to her recent success at the world championships.
Approaching this year’s worlds with a calmer mindset, Pemble noted the difference in her mental approach, attributing her success to this newfound composure. Alongside her sprint victory, Pemble secured silver medals in the elimination race and one-kilometre time trial, as well as a bronze in the scratch race.
Looking forward to L.A. 2028, Pemble is focused on expanding her event participation, aiming to compete in multiple disciplines. Travers, her coach, has devised a training plan targeting non-factored events in the upcoming Games, emphasizing a shift towards endurance-focused preparations.
Despite facing challenges and adjustments in her sporting journey, Pemble remains determined and adaptable, showcasing her ability to excel in evolving circumstances.