Profile
Born in Canberra in 1986, I grew up playing many sports including tennis, cricket, BMX, soccer, hockey and swimming. My love for competitive, athletic sports eventually narrowed my focus. I started cross-country running and growing up I learned about the dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm required to succeed in sport.
I was introduced to road cycling in 2000 through a talent search program. Having a strong bike riding background from recreational cycling and BMX, I looked to challenge both my fitness and my skills in one disciple. Thus I migrated to cross-country mountain biking in 2002, beginning with the ACT Schools Championships.
After some success in the U17 ACT MTB Championships, I found myself at home on the mountain bike whether it was racing hard or enjoying rides with friends on the weekends. Each year I progressed and with each race I gained enthusiasm and motivation to become a better mountain biker.
After several years as a junior I found myself getting sick every month and battled to train and race with any kind of fitness. I was gradually developing but it was always two steps forward, one step back I was eventually diagnosed with a hyper-active thyroid and multi-nodular goiter. I was unable to ride as my condition was monitored and after a year of decreasing health I had an operation to completely remove my thryoid gland and goiter in 2004.
After careful monitoring of my now vital medications I returned to training and by 2006 I was competing in the Australian National Series as an U23. In my final year as an U23 I finished 3rd at the National Championships. Gaining confidence from this result I turned all my focus to the following year where I finished 2nd at Stromlo Forest Park in my first year in the Elite Mens category of the 2009 National Championships.
In 2009 I journeyed overseas to compete in the World Cup series in an attempt to qualify for the 2009 World Championships also held at Stromlo Forest Park. With a steep learning curve and less than impressive results in Europe I was nervous about my chances. I trained hard for two months through the Canberra winter with my selection remaining unknown. In August came the greatest news of my career.
Competing in front of 30 000 people on my home track was a dream come true and an experience like no other. On top of the mind blowing support I finished a previously unimaginable 35th which rounded off one of the best days of my career and life.
Since this race I have been preparing myself to gain selection for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. On this journey I will be competing in the 2010/11 Australian National Series, Oceanic Championships and 2011 MTB World Cups and other international races.
At the beginning of my MTB career I strived not for results, but for improvement and knowledge. With still the same approach and attitude I write this from Czech Republic, seeking new ways to improve my cycling and myself in order to reach a new level.
While being dedicated to my dreams and aspirations I always take time to enjoy the present and above all aim to have fun and seek rewards not just from triumphs or achievement but from the little things in life shared with friends and family.
I spend my quiet time listening to music, writing or reading about things that might help me in sport and life, and lively times out fishing, hiking, playing other sports and enjoying barbeques with family and friends.
