2017 recipient Ellesse Andrew's provides an update on her sporting career:
2018 COMMONWEALTH GAMES
It has been an exciting couple of weeks on my journey to be the best athlete and person that I can be!
2018 is shaping up to be a huge year for me, one that will be full of experience and learnings that will help prepare me the best I can for a start position for 2020.
I recently received news of my nomination, and later last week confirmation of my selection to represent New Zealand at the 2018 Commonwealth games!
It makes me extremely proud to have the opportunity to represent this beautiful country at such a young age, and even more special that my dad was a double commonwealth games medallist, I hope to follow in his footsteps!
Media announcement of the selection was on Saturday the 17th February, and now the real hard work begins!
The experience I will gain from competing, and being a part of the whole campaign, will be invaluable as I move forward as an elite cyclist.
HALBERG AWARDS
Beginning with winning the Waikato secondary school sports woman of the year, and going on a week later to win this year’s Halberg Emerging talent award... it certainly was an eventful and exciting week!
The Halberg event was such an amazing night, and it was a massive honour standing in front of my family, friends, and support team, whether they were there in person, or supporting from home. The emerging talent award is not one I take lightly, and am so grateful to be recognised for this nationally.
A big thank you to RUBY for my amazing gown for the evening, and to Cambridge Jewellers for the beautiful jewellery.
TRAINING WORLD
I was lucky enough to be invited into the Elite women’s endurance squad for an early integration as they prepared for racing at the world champs later this month.
I was able to learn so much about the step up I am going to have to make over the next two months, get in some quality training, but most importantly begin to get to know the girls that will soon be my team mates.
A NOTE FROM ELLESSE:
All of the above has happened in the last few weeks, as well as starting my degree at Waikato University. It is going to be a busy and focused year, however I have a very strong team around me to ensure I keep both balance and progression.
I have a new member on my team helping with my management - Daniella Cameron. Daniella previously managed Pathway to Podium here in the Waikato, and is going to continue working with me going forward.
Feel free to contact Daniella on: daniella@borntobeboldnz.com for any sponsorship or event queries. I will be just as much as part of this as always though!
It was amazing having your support throughout my 2017 season, for that I can’t thank you enough. I really look forward to working with you this year and striving for excellence together!
- Ellesse