In this episode, we sit down with the effervescent Ellesse Andrews, one of Aotearoa’s most accomplished and inspiring cyclists.

Ellesse was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2025 for her services to cycling and has most recently stood on the world’s biggest stage, winning two gold medals and one silver at the Paris Olympic Games. Her journey also includes gold medals at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, cementing her place as a world-class athlete.

But this kōrero goes far beyond medals.

We talk openly about Ellesse’s journey through elite sport the highs, pressure, burnout, and the awareness that comes with performing at the top of your game. A clear thread runs through this conversation: community, connection, and resilience. Ellesse shares how leading herself first has been critical to her success, how creativity plays a role in balance, and why mindset matters just as much as physical performance.

This is such a powerful kōrero and one we can’t wait for you to listen to!