My life has been shaped by sport. For over a decade, that meant rowing, representing Australia at the highest level, chasing hundredths of a second on the world stage, and ultimately winning an Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo.

Now, I’ve stepped into a new arena: track cycling. It’s been like learning a new language. The power, the mindset, the discipline they all carry over from rowing but everything else feels new. The position, the handling, the tactics.

Despite the steep learning curve, I’ve made a strong start: silver at the NSW State Championships and sixth in the Individual Pursuit at Nationals. The IP shares a deep kinship with rowing, both are all-out efforts over similar time periods, where pacing, technique, and mental resilience important. But adapting to this new sport has meant starting again in many ways, including financially.

There’s no velodrome in Canberra, so to replicate track efforts I’ve spent hours in the TT position, which also prepares me for my goal of racing the National Time Trial Championships. A modern TT setup would make a huge difference, making me competitive and will assist developing the form and comfort required to excel on the track.

Right now, I’m between systems. I’ve achieved the time standard for AusCycling’s "Podium Potential" categorisation, which will bring support next year, but in the meantime, getting established in a new sport comes with its own set of costs. Equipment, travel, coaching, it all adds up quickly.

This campaign isn’t about asking for handouts. It’s about sharing a story: of transition, growth, and starting again. It’s a chance to bring people along as I chase something new with the same hunger that got me here.

Thank you for being part of it.