It’s been a breakthrough year for Wānaka cycling sensation Ellesse Andrews.

The 21-year-old shot to sporting stardom with a silver medal in the Keirin (track cycling) at the Tokyo Olympics in August. She is now enjoying some rest and relaxation here in Wānaka, where she spoke to the Wānaka App.

Ellesse said it was an emotional moment when she exited MIQ (managed isolation quarantine) on returning from the Tokyo Olympics.

“When I came out of MIQ, my dad, mum and younger sibling were there and the new family dog who I hadn’t met. They were at the entrance of the MIQ hotel and we had big cuddles.

“Just getting out of the hotel and being able to hug my family and my parents was quite emotional. I was exhausted and it felt so nice to be with loved ones again.”

Ellesse hadn’t competed in an international competition in the 18 months preceding the Tokyo Olympics which meant she didn’t know what to expect. 

“I felt strong and confident I’d done my training to the best of my ability, so I focused on what I could control to put myself in good positions to progress through the competition. I didn’t have any expectations - I wanted to do well but you just try to take it one step at a time.”

She said it was hard attending the Tokyo Olympics without friends and family to support her and celebrate with her.

“Some of my dad’s Japanese work colleagues came and watched me race and they had a great big New Zealand flag. That was really special as I knew it was representative of my family.” 

Ellesse attended Mount Aspiring College (MAC) from 2009 to 2016 and describes herself as a sporty kid.

“I played lots of sports as a kid but when I started cycling it felt much more natural compared to other sports, and I was able to progress faster than other sports I played.”

Ellesse entered her first cycling competition on the track when she was 13, travelling to a velodrome in Invercargill to compete.

Her talent was instantly recognisable and just three years later she won a gold medal in the team sprint and a bronze in the individual pursuit at the 2016 Junior Track Cycling World Championships.

Ellesse is driven by the intensity of competitions but returning to Wānaka gives her a chance to recalibrate. 

“It’s inspiring to go to a competition and see all the best athletes in the world. [The Tokyo Olympics] was a great experience, and super positive for me, but I love coming back to where I grew up, jumping on my mountain bike and doing things completely different to what I do on the track”.

Ellesse has family and friends in Wānaka and says she is supported by local sports retailer Racers Edge. “They’re part of my team,” she said.

Ellesse will be back training in Cambridge next month with a focus on the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England but says her cycling team will definitely be having a conversation about Paris (2024 Olympics) when she returns to training. 

PHOTO: Wānaka App