Free Agent Technologies
Dec 6, 2024
Alysia Olson’s journey from multi-sport athlete to Olympic bobsledder to Director of Partnerships with the CHL showcases her resilience, adaptability, and drive for continuous growth.
Alysia Olson, formerly known as Alysia Risling, has lived a life defined by passion, resilience, and relentless determination. Her journey, both as an athlete and a professional, is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of adaptability—lessons she’s carried with her from sports to the boardroom. Here’s a glimpse into her remarkable path, from being a multi-sport university athlete to her career as the Director of Partnerships with the Canadian Hockey League.
Alysia’s athletic journey started at a young age, fueled by her passion for sports and the opportunities they provided. She was a standout athlete in four sports—volleyball, basketball, track and field, and soccer—and had scholarship offers to play all of them at the university level. Ultimately, Alysia chose to attend the University of Alberta, where she pursued basketball and track and field. But as with many athletes, the path wasn’t without its challenges. In her first year, Alysia suffered an injury that forced her to drop track, but she continued to excel in basketball, helping lead her team to the national finals, where they narrowly lost by just four points. She also earned a national bronze medal in the same sport.
Alysia’s time at university wasn’t just about sports; she also earned a Bachelor of Science, majoring in kinesiology. However, after graduation, she found herself at a crossroads. Despite applying twice to graduate programs and not getting in, Alysia’s relentless drive led her to pursue an unexpected path: bobsled.
What was initially meant to be a short-term detour turned into a 10-year career in bobsledding, a sport Alysia had never considered before. “Bobsled is a late-entry sport,” she explains. “It’s not uncommon for athletes to start in their early 20s after coming from another sport.” Alysia moved to Calgary, and what began as an experiment turned into a remarkable career, which included competing at the World Cup level, winning a bronze medal, and representing Canada at the Winter Olympics. Though she finished 6th in her Olympic event, missing a medal by just 0.7 seconds, Alysia’s journey was far from over. She also qualified for a second Olympic Games, but unfortunately, the team had four athletes vying for three spots, and Alysia was not selected.
During her time in bobsled, Alysia worked hard not only on her physical performance but also on preparing herself for life after sport. She earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Business from Queen’s University, and when her career in bobsled ended, she was ready for the next chapter.
The transition from sport to the corporate world can be one of the most challenging aspects of an athlete’s career. For Alysia, the post-sport identity crisis was very real. After finishing her basketball career and struggling with the uncertainty of what came next, Alysia found herself in a tough place. “I didn’t know who I was without my sport,” she admits. “It was a tough 14 months of not knowing what was next.” But rather than getting stuck, Alysia took action. Her goal-oriented mindset led her to start a new sport, and eventually, her pursuit of a new challenge turned into a 10-year career in bobsled.
Alysia credits her resilience to the many ups and downs she faced as an athlete. “I’ve never been the top of the top,” she says. “I’ve always had to fight tooth and nail for everything.” Whether it was overcoming doubters in bobsled or finding the drive to push through tough times, Alysia’s experiences have shaped her into the person she is today—someone who is both resilient and adaptable.
Her business career, too, has been a journey of learning and growth. Today, Alysia serves as the Director of Partnerships with the Canadian Hockey League, focusing on the Western Hockey League. She is also pursuing a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) through a joint program with Queen’s University and Cornell University.
One of the most valuable lessons Alysia has learned from her career is the importance of networking and building strong relationships. “It’s not just what you know, but who you know,” she says, emphasizing the value of connecting with like-minded individuals who can help guide you through your career.
As someone who has been both an athlete and now a business professional, Alysia understands the unique challenges athletes face when transitioning out of sport. “The post-sport identity crisis is real,” she explains. “But having a strong network of athletes and mentors can make all the difference.” Alysia credits much of her career success to the connections she’s made, both in the world of sport and in business. She’s fortunate to live in Calgary, a city that is home to many Olympians and elite athletes, creating a supportive community of people who understand the unique challenges athletes face.
Alysia is also excited about the potential impact of platforms like Free Agent, an app designed to help athletes transition into new careers. “For many athletes, the first job they get after sport is just a way to make money,” she says. “But with the right network and support, athletes can find a career that aligns with their passions and talents.” Free Agent, she believes, can be a game-changer, providing athletes with the resources, mentorship, and connections they need to thrive in their next phase of life.
In one word, Alysia describes the Free Agent app as “connection.” For athletes, staying connected to a strong network can be the key to success in life after sport. Through shared experiences and mentorship, athletes can transition into the workforce with confidence, knowing they have the tools and support they need to succeed.
As Alysia looks ahead to the future, she remains as focused and determined as ever. Whether it’s excelling in her career or continuing her studies, Alysia is excited for the challenges that lie ahead. “I’ve always done things the hard way,” she laughs. “But it’s also what has made me successful. The resilience and determination that I developed as an athlete are the same qualities that help me tackle new challenges today.”
Alysia Olson’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous growth. Her journey from university athlete to Olympic bobsledder and now to business executive is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience, and never giving up on your goals—even when the road ahead is uncertain.
For athletes navigating the transition from sport to career, Alysia’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, support, and connections, anything is possible.
