Zach Bell

Hall of Fame

From the mat to track, Zach Bell epitomizes finding opportunity and achieving excellence.

Born in Whitehorse and raised in Watson Lake, Zach enjoyed every sport that crossed his path. He made strides in cross-country running and skiing and dove into badminton where he’d hustle and hit and never quit. But it was his love of wrestling that took him to the University of Calgary. His development on the varsity team landed him a spot on three Arctic Winter Games teams.

Another transition was in the cards for Zach. He discovered his aptitude for road and track cycling. By 2005 he qualified for his first national team project, cruising consistently for Canada. He medaled at eight cycling world cups — winning three of them. Zach also earned two world championship silver medals and won the world cup overall series in 2011. He earned a major games medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India. Making tracks was inevitable for Zach: He was the first male and first of a pair of Yukon natives (the other being Jeane Lassen) to compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Zach also represented Canada at the 2012 London Olympics and his final international hurrah was at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Adding to his track cycling results, Zach enjoyed an extensive road cycling career highlighted by multiple international wins and a Canadian professional road championship in 2013.

Never giving up and always giving back, Zach continues to work as a coach and leader of sport programs where he excels as both coach and mentor for the grassroots community right through to Olympians.