In this week’s Q&A in collaboration with Peloton Magazine, we spoke with Annette Edmondson. The Australian rider is an Olympic track medallist, and World, National and Commonwealth track champion, and is aiming to take a gold medal at the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games. Find out a little more about her in our interview.
Where are you from?
I was born in Adelaide, Bedford Park
Where do you live now?
I currently live in Adelaide, in Norwood.
How did you get started in cycling?
A talent search program run by the South Australian Sports Institute identified me for a potential career in cycling. I was disappointed not to get chosen for soccer!
At what point did you realise that cycling was more than a hobby?
When I saw a flow chart of my potential progress from ‘Talent Search Kid’ to Olympian during the first year. That’s when I made that realisation for the first time.
What’s your most cherished memory in your sporting career to date?
Standing on the Olympic dais in 2012, receiving my bronze medal for Australia.
What are your goals for the Olympics?
GOOOOLD!
What will your training look like as the Games approach?
It will definitely become increasingly intense, with a large and focused training camp based in Australia with the Australian track program.
Which athletes inspire you?
My teammates. Athletes who know what they want and hunt it down. Athletes who defy the odds or who are told they can’t do something and prove those people wrong!
What keeps you motivated during difficult times?
My teammates. Knowing that they are going through the same thing, yet will front up and have a go, is what gets this girl out the door! I also like to set goals and make sure I am always on a journey, and essentially always working towards something, even if it’s one small step at a time.
Advice for younger riders striving for the Olympics?
You can do it, if you want it. And if you truly believe, you can do it. Sport is 95% mental. Work out your goals and go get them (and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way, you don’t have to do it alone!)
If you weren’t a pro rider, what would you be doing now?
I think I’d be studying Medicine, or hopefully qualified!
Favourite coffee ride snack?
A strong skinny latte, and a banana smoothie!
Favourite coffee ride stop?
Along the beach, in the sunshine. Or right next to home on a big day. There’s nothing quite like those post-café legs!
What’s your spirit animal and why?
Some kind of marine creature. Perhaps a seal. I’m obsessed with the ocean and lying in the sun on the beach!
One thing you can’t live without on the road?
My Cervélo S5!
