If there’s one word to describe the professional career of Lucia Stafford, it’s consistency. Since storming onto her first Olympic team in Tokyo at just 22, there has yet to be a global championship or major games where the Toronto native hasn’t been a part of Team Canada. For half a decade, she’s been a constant presence on national championship podiums, while also lowering Canadian records at both the 1K and 2K distances.

Yet, for all the success that consistency has brought over the past five years, 2026 will be a season of change for Stafford. Earlier this month she announced her move to the U.K., where she has joined the likes of Olympic medallists Keely Hodgkinson and Georgia Hunter-Bell as a member of the Manchester-based M11 track Club. 

Today on The Shakeout Podcast, Lucia joins us from training camp in South Africa, sharing about her decision to strike out in a new direction and what she’s excited for in the new year, with a new team around her. 

Follow Lucia on Instagram @luciastafford7

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