Striking gold by staying forward focused

Growing up in Taupō, Anna had always lived an active life and loved being outdoors. After experiencing a serious back injury in 2016, Anna’s ability to participate in her usual physical outlets was no longer an option, but the former elite rower says she found a way to push forward.

“I was lost without a physical outlet, but it was through talking with a friend that I learned about Paralympic sports. About 18 months after my injury, I started cycling which gave me competitive opportunity and the ability to push for success. I love that I can be active and enjoy the freedom of movement.”

The 2023 UCI World Championships, also known as the ‘Super Worlds’, brought almost all cycling disciplines together and saw Anna secure gold in the women’s C4 division on her 32nd birthday.

“It was an incredible experience! The Paracycling track was fully integrated in the able-bodied programme so having all the disciplines competing at the same time and place was remarkable and made for a special experience,” Anna says.

She credits her success in the Championships to the people she had around her.

“The success we achieved is greatly due to the team we have around us. The New Zealand Para Cycling Team is a great place. We have awesome cyclists and our coach, manager and support staff are the best.”

When reflecting on her career, Anna says the biggest highlight so far was racing at the Tokyo Paralympic Games.

“It’s been a lifelong dream to race with the best of the best in the biggest sporting event. I felt such an immense sense of pride for my country and team, and in myself as well as my friends, family and loved ones who have supported me through so much.”

To further broaden her opportunities to work within sport in the future, Anna is currently completing a Master of Sport Management.

“I chose Massey for its reputation for the sports management programme and the distance offering. I’ve always been a curious student and love to learn and take in new information. Sports, physiology nutrition, psychology and health promotion and behaviours are all areas I find interesting.”

Anna says she’s been enjoying the flexibility offered by distance study and finds it helps her to balance her sporting and academic commitments.

“Distance study works well amongst my other commitments as I can chip away little by little. There have been some challenges when training and racing is heavy and big assignments are due, but through good time management and communication with my professors, I’ve found it to be a positive experience for the most part. I really enjoy what I’m learning and often yarn about my new knowledge or readings to those around me. Studying has really allowed me to challenge my thinking and expand my knowledge base.”

Now based in Cambridge, Anna says her focus is on the future, both finishing up her master’s and training for the 2024 Paris Paralympics selection.

“Beyond Paris, I want to expand my experience and work in leadership and governance spaces. I will always have cycling in my future, but for now, Paris is the main focus.”

When asked what her secret to success is, Anna believes success comes from staying forward focused.

“I have had a lot of setbacks, roadblocks and bad luck in my life. Keeping focused on what is ahead of me, both big goals and daily goals, helps me to keep going. My family and friends have been a huge support for me, championing me through all the hardships and celebrating my successes as they come. I have had a lot of support to carry me through.”

“It’s also important to celebrate your success, and support and celebrate the success of your friends and those in your community. When one rises, we all do. Be a positive support for those around you.”