As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo approach, a familiar name is training hard to make history—not on the track, but on the ice. Manteo Mitchell, the sprinter-turned-bobsledder from Shelby, North Carolina, is pursuing an audacious goal: to become the first African American man to win medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
This achievement has only been accomplished by six athletes in Olympic history. For Mitchell, the journey is not solely about medals; it’s about legacy, resilience, and redefining what is possible.
Mitchell first caught the world’s attention during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Running the first leg of the 4×400 meter relay, he suffered a devastating injury when his fibula snapped mid-race. However, instead of collapsing, he powered through and finished his lap on a broken leg, helping Team USA stay in contention. His teammates rallied to qualify for the finals and ultimately earned a silver medal. Mitchell received one as well for his effort in the prelims.
That moment defined him as more than just an athlete; it revealed the heart of a warrior. Few knew, however, that this would only be the beginning of his story.
Four years later, Mitchell experienced a near-fatal car accident that shattered his right foot—the same leg that had been injured in 2012. Every bone was broken and every ligament torn. Yet, even from his hospital bed, his thoughts remained focused on the Olympics. This battle was not only physical but also mental. Mitchell struggled with PTSD and mental blocks following the accident, but he refused to let these challenges define him. He began working with the Apex Brain Center, undergoing neurological training to enhance his focus and reflexes.
Through extensive physical therapy and mental training, he made a full recovery. Although he missed the Rio Games, Mitchell’s determination remained unwavering. Each setback became fuel for his comeback.
In an unexpected turn, Mitchell’s path to Olympic redemption shifted towards winter sports. After the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Games and facing uncertainty in track and field, he received a call from Aaron McGuire, the CEO of USA Bobsled-Skeleton.
And it clicked.
Mitchell excelled at the bobsled combine in Lake Placid, securing a spot on the national team. He has made the team every year since.
Now as he approaches age 38, Mitchell serves as the brakeman on a four-person bobsled—a role that demands explosive speed, precision, and teamwork. As the brakeman, his primary responsibility is to push the sled at the race’s start and quickly jump in. This requires not only physical strength but also mental focus and coordination. Training is intense, involving weightlifting, sprint drills, plyometrics, and mental conditioning. Every run, lasting just under a minute, must be flawless; every movement counts.
What sets Mitchell apart is not just his physical strength—it’s his mental edge. After grappling with PTSD and mental blocks post-accident, he began working with the Apex Brain Center. He now undergoes neurological training, including metronome exercises, eye tracking, and vibration therapy to enhance his focus and reflexes.
Throughout it all, Mitchell remains grounded in what matters most: his family. He’s a husband, a father of two, and a dreamer determined to be the role model he never had growing up. His family is his anchor, source of strength, and inspiration. During workouts, he listens to songs featuring Minnie Mouse—not for nostalgia, but because it reminds him of his two-year-old daughter, Melody.
Mitchell’s pursuit isn’t solely about breaking records; it’s about breaking barriers. If he wins a medal in Milan, he will become the first African American man to achieve this in both Olympic seasons. However, he isn’t letting that pressure consume him.
As we celebrate Black excellence in sports, Manteo Mitchell’s story stands as a testament to perseverance, reinvention, and impact. His journey from the Olympic track in London to the bobsled track in Milan proves that greatness isn’t confined to a single lane—or a single season.
Whether or not he clinches the gold in 2026, Manteo Mitchell has already made history.
