Mystique Ro’s transition from a decorated track-and-field athlete to a world-class skeleton racer is a striking example of athletic adaptability. After exhausting her college eligibility at Queens University of Charlotte, where she competed in hurdles and heptathlon, Ro found herself at a crossroads. A simple text message from Team USA changed everything, offering her a spot in a bobsled combine.
The Unexpected Shift to Skeleton
Initially recruited for bobsled as a brakeman, Ro was quickly steered toward skeleton due to her smaller frame—a surprising advantage in maintaining speed on the ice. She excelled at the training camp in Lake Placid, New York, and qualified for nationals in 2017. Since then, she has steadily risen through the ranks, culminating in a silver medal at the 2025 World Championships in the women’s event, and a gold in the mixed relay alongside Austin Florian. The mixed relay event is set to debut at the 2026 Olympics, adding another layer of significance to Ro’s accomplishments.
Leveraging Track-and-Field Roots
Ro attributes her success to staying true to her athletic foundation. The explosive start required in skeleton – a 25-to-40-meter sprint before hitting the board – directly benefits from her track-and-field training. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining her familiar workout routines to minimize injuries, stating, “When I deter from that too much, I start to see a little more injuries.”
Mental Toughness and Recovery
At 31, Ro prioritizes recovery as much as performance, acknowledging the realities of aging in elite sports. Sleep is non-negotiable: “I’m an old lady now. When it’s time to go to bed, it’s time to go to bed.” More crucially, she embraces mental preparedness for racing headfirst down ice at 80 miles per hour. She manages fear through acceptance and visualization, focusing on key points rather than overwhelming herself with every detail.
“You have to accept [fear]. If you try to deny it, it starts to manifest in bad places on the track, and you don’t want that at 80 miles an hour.”
This pragmatic approach allows her to harness fear instead of letting it paralyze her. Ro describes strength as “quiet” and reassuring – something felt, not just seen. Her story demonstrates that peak performance comes from combining physical prowess with disciplined recovery and mental fortitude.
Mystique Ro’s career is a testament to the transferability of athletic skills and the importance of adaptability. Her rapid rise in a completely new discipline highlights the power of a strong foundation, strategic training, and unwavering mental toughness.
