This month we’re shining a light on one of our incredible Halberg Regional Advisor, Siobhan, who represents the Bay of Plenty region. Alongside her role supporting inclusive opportunities in the community, Siobhan is also a talented Para athlete who recently made her debut at the Para Cycling Track World Championships, coming away from multiple medals. We caught up with her to hear more about her journey, her passion for inclusion, and how she balances life as both an athlete and a Halberg Advisor.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR INCREDIBLE RESULTS AT YOUR FIRST PARA CYCLING TRACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS! HOW DOES IT FEEL TO COME AWAY WITH MULTIPLE MEDALS IN YOUR DEBUT?

Thank you! It feels extremely surreal. I was up against some incredible athletes, and to be honest, I felt very humble going into it. After the first race it was pureshock, which carried through until the last. I had a lot of support to get there and to achieve what I did – the feeling is a mix of proud, shocked, and grateful.

WHAT WAS THE MOMENT THAT STOOD OUT TO YOU MOST FROM THE COMPETITION?

There were many moments that stood out, but one that I hold onto was being able to go up to my mum after my first race and give her a hug! I’m really grateful that she was there – not only supporting me but supporting the whole team!

The last race stood out. We got combined with another classification of riders and I felt nervous that I wasn’t going to keep up. I even asked our coach what would happen if I got lapped more than twice! What stood out to me was that I was able to keep up – and not only that, but I was able to hold myself in that race in a way that I feel really proud of.

COMPETING AT THAT LEVEL FOR THE FIRST TIME CAN BE INTENSE – HOW DID YOU PREPARE YOURSELF BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY?

I had a lot of support! I spent a lot of time in the lead-up learning to trust the process and lean on others around me. This meant asking for help, asking questions, managing priorities, resting when I needed to, an surrounding myself with whānau and friends.

In terms of physical training, I stuck to the plan and trusted the process. Not every training session went 100% – there were some not-so-great days where I struggled. But I heard a saying a while ago that often pops into my head in those moments – “A third of your training will be great. A third will be ok. And. third won’t be so great – The Rule of Thirds.”

If that balance is off, it’s a sign to either ease up or push harder. It’s a nice reminder that even tough days mean you’re on track.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THIS EXPERIENCE THAT YOU’LL TAKE INTO YOUR NEXT COMPETITION?

To trust the process and trust the people around me. There were a lot of new experiences wrapped up in this journey, and something I really worked on was not freaking myself out. Fortunately, I was surrounded by many incredible people who made this possible.

WAS THERE ANYONE OR ANYTHING THAT INSPIRED OR MOTIVATED YOU THROUGH THE BUILD-UP TO WORLDS?

I got to train alongside some incredible athletes in the lead-up. Watching how they approached their sessions and showed what it meands to be a high-performance athlete was inspiring. I especially loved being able to ride on track with Nicole Murray – even though she absolutely smashed me in most of the sessions! I loved the challenge and learning alongside her.

YOU’VE HAD GREAT SUCCESS IN PARA SWIMMING BEFORE – WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE THE MOVE TO CYCLING?

At primary schoo age, I loved challenges. I felt confident, capable, and saw myself as qual alongside my able-bodied peers. I even used to think I could go to the Olympics one day! That confidence faded early in high school but reignited when I participated in my first Para Cross Country (2016) and agin through Para swimming later that year.

In 2020, I tried track cycling for the first time and fell in love with it, but didn’t make any changes until late 2022. Around the time, I got an email about a track cycling competition in Invercargill – Just 10 weeks away. It felt like the challenge I needed.

After a few months of doing both swimming and cycling, that same confidence and childhood dream came back – and I knew cycling was going to be my new sport.

WAS IT CHALLENGING TO SHIFT FROM WATER-BASED SPORT TO ONE ON THE TRACK?

It definetely was – it felt liek a big change! I went from training with others every day to training mostly on my own. I shifted from being upper-body dominant to using my legs a lot more – especially my little leg. There were a lot of challenges, but I really enjoy being on the bike, and the support I had made those challenges much easier to face.

ARE THERE ANY LESSONS OR SKILLS FROM YOUR SWIMMING CAREER THAT HAVE HELPED YOU IN CYCLING?

Courage and discipline. As a swimmer, I trained many hours – early mornings six times a week, studying or working during the day, and then training again at night. I learned early what kind of commitment it takes to be an athlete – training, recovery, prioritising, dealing with nerves, and staying disciplined.

I also learned how important it is to enjoy the process, have a great support team around you, and have a clear purpose. On the hard days, those things help me to be courageous and keep showing up.

HOW HAS THE PARA CYCLING COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU DURING THIS TRANSITION?

I’ve had a huge amount of support that I feel extremely grateful for – it’s almost overwhelming. From my first Para cycling camp through to now, the community has been a massive part of why I love sport. I’ve made new friends and gained a whole new whānau – the support goes beyond words.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER ATHLETES CONSIDERING CHANGING SPORTS OR TRYING SOMETHING NEW?

If it’s something that excites you, makes you nervous, or feels like it could be your next challenge – go for it. You’ll never know unless you try, and you can always change your mind.

YOU’VE BEEN BUSY CLOSER TO HOME WITH THE AMAZING RACE EVENT IN ROTORUA! CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT THAT DAY AND WHAT MADE IT SPECIAL?

The Amazing Race is an all-abilities day in the forest aimed at bringing the community together for an inclusive experience. Participants make their way around the Redwoods Mokopuna Trail, completing challenges and activities along the way. What made it special was the incredible amount of community support – and the number of families who came along to enjoy the day.

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR HIGHLIGHTS OR FAVOURITE MOMENTS FROM THE AMAZING RACE?

A big highlight was during the warm-up – our Jump Jam session! Seeing everyone, of all abilities, moving together in one space was so special. It really captured what the event was about – inclusion and community.

HOW DID THE PARTICIPANTS RESPOND TO THE CHALLENGES?

“That was great. I could access the track and participate in all the activities. With support I even managed to walk through the Athletics NZ challenge. I did get emotional at the POT challenge as setting up shelters in the forest was what I loved doing before my life-changing disability.” – Robyn Beers-Beckedam, Participant

AND YOU WERE ALSO PART OF THE ADAPTIVE TRI IN ROTORUA – WHAT WAS THAT EXPERIENCE LIKE?

It was incredible! We had such a great team behind the planning, which made it even better than I could have imagined. I loved seeinf how every young person took on the challenge in their own way – some were pulled along in a buggy, others ran with all their energy, and some told me they felt nervous but did it anyway. There was so much joy, courage, and excitement.

WHY DO YOU THINK EVENTS LIKE THESE ARE IMPORTANT FOR GROWING INCLUSION AND PARTICIPATION ACROSS THE BAY OF PLENTY REGION?

“We are so grateful for events that give our kids, who don’t fit into mainstream sport, the chance to shine. I love the encouragement, support, and overall vibe of inclusion!”

Quotes like this are why we do what we do – and why it matters so much. Everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in a way that makes them feel included.

AFTER SUCH A BIG YEAR, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU – BOTH AS AN ATHLETE AND AS A REGIONAL ADVISOR WITH HALBERG?

Nothing set in stone just yet! After such a big year, I’m ready to settle, enjoy a nice break, and reflect. As an Advisor, I’ll continue to do my best – connecting with the community and bringing opportunities to young people. And as an athlete, I’ll keep making every training count and enjoying the process.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR OWN TRAINING AND COMPETITION WITH YOUR ROLE SUPPORTING OTHERS INTO SPORT AND RECREATION?

I’m really fortunate to have flexibility and support. Most of my training happens early mornings or late evenings. When it comes to events, I’m lucky to have a supportive workplace that helps me make it all fit. I’m slaos grateful to be doing something I’m so passionate about in both spaces – that definitely helps.

WHAT’S ONE MESSAGE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOUNG PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES WHO MIGHT BE THINKING ABOUT GIVING SPORT A GO?

Sport is about discovering what’s possible. It will challenge you and test your limits – but it will also help you find your own strength and bring you more joy than you could imagine!