Canadian bobsledders Bianca Ribi and Niamh Haughey prepare to compete in a women’s World Cup race held in Lake Placid, New York, in 2022. (Photo credit: Hans Pennink/The Associated Press)
Balancing two demanding careers might sound impossible, but Bianca Ribi, a 28-year-old firefighter from Calgary, is proving otherwise. Ribi is not just fighting fires but also racing toward her dream of competing in the Olympics as a bobsleigh pilot. Alongside her teammate, 26-year-old Niamh Haughey, the duo is preparing for the 2026 Olympics while managing a whirlwind lifestyle.
Their bond was tested in 2021 when they drove through a snowstorm in the Swiss Alps en route to the junior bobsleigh world championships in St. Moritz. As Haughey navigated the treacherous roads, Ribi, seated beside her, studied the track layout. “We didn’t know where we were or if we’d even make it,” Haughey recalled, laughing at the memory of their shared adventure.
Fast forward to today, their shared determination has brought them to the brink of Olympic glory. The pair are gearing up for the 2024 world championships in Lake Placid, a venue they consider home turf.
For Ribi, her dual career is a juggling act of precision and passion. “Not many get the chance to chase two dreams simultaneously,” she said, reflecting on her firefighting job and Olympic aspirations. Her teammate admires her commitment, noting that firefighting has made Ribi more disciplined and resilient. “She knows how to prioritize and excel in both fields,” Haughey added.
This mindset has even inspired Haughey, a former rugby player, to explore competing in flag football at the 2026 Olympics. While Ribi’s meticulous nature drives her success, it sometimes requires reining in her perfectionism. Olympic gold medallist and coach Justin Kripps described Ribi as “methodical and detail-oriented,” recalling how she once spent hours perfecting her sled blades. “Her attention to detail is unmatched, but she’s learning to find balance,” Kripps said.
Their efforts paid off recently when the duo triumphed in two races at the North American Cup in Whistler, B.C. Despite juggling firefighting and bobsleigh, Ribi continues to shine. Her dual roles demand different physical and mental skills—short bursts of power for bobsleigh and stamina for firefighting. This versatility makes her a formidable competitor, albeit less specialized than others in the sport.
As they transition back to the World Cup circuit, Ribi and Haughey aim to qualify for the 2024 World Championships and secure a medal. Ribi’s journey exemplifies how determination and adaptability can lead to remarkable achievements, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
“I focus on the small details because they can make or break the race,” Ribi said. Yet, she’s also learning to ease her rigorous standards. “There’s a fine line between thoroughness and overdoing it,” she added.
For Haughey, the dynamic between them works. “We’re polar opposites—Bianca strives for perfection, and I’m more laid-back—but it’s a balance that keeps us moving forward.”
