Barry Wright/The Independent

If the Summer Olympics are held as scheduled next summer in Tokyo, Nick Wammes will be there decked out in Canadian colours.. 

The Bothwell-area rider was one of 21 athletes named to the national cycling squad last week to represent Canada at the Games. He was chosen to compete in both the Sprint and Keirin events.

“I’m pretty excited for sure and proud to be named to our team,” he said.

Wammes says he has dreamed of making the Olympics since he was a kid, he just didn’t know what sport it would be that would get him there.

“I’ve put in a lot of hours training; every week, every month, every year, so for it to pay off is huge.”

Despite uncertainly about the Games proceeding next summer, Wammes says he and his Canadian cycling cohorts continue to train with an eye on 2022.  The national team has been training at the Mattamy National Cycling Centre in Milton since June 1 under strict safety protocols, he said.

“We’re all training with the mentality that it’s going to happen.  We don’t want to show up next year and not be prepared.”

Noting that capturing a medal would be “incredibly ambitious,” the 20-year-old says a top 16 placing next year would be more realistic.

“But, then again, a lot can change in a year,” he concluded.

Cycling is scheduled to begin in Tokyo next August 2.

Wammes, a national senior and junior champion on multiple occasions, has previously represented Canada internationally on the World Cup circuit, the World Junior Championships, the Pan American Championships and the Pan American Games.