Emma Foy claims bronze at Paralympics

Emma Foy

Emma Foy is a Northlander with a difference, yet has represented New Zealand in the sport of cycling. Emma is partially sighted and rides a tandem cycle in para-cycling events around the world. Only introduced into the Paralympics New Zealand bike programme in February this year, the 24-year-old Foy, a Wellington-based arts student, has been a revelation since impressing staff at a talent identification day in New Plymouth of her potential on the bike. Making her international debut at the UCI Para-Cycling Road World Championships in Canada, Emma claimed a bronze medal.

Can you share the experience of winning a medal and standing on the podium at the 2013 UCI Road Para-Cycling Championships?

It was a great feeling, especially sharing it Gabby and Philly and Laura too. One of the highlights of Canada was having the crowd cheering for us around the road course, at the finish line and at the medal ceremony. On the podium I got a close look at the rainbow jerseys that the champions got, though that makes me hungry for more.

What is something that you learnt from the experience?

I'm always learning about the sport, competing, travelling, how to work with my team mates. I've come a long way in the last 12 months and am feeling more confident with my ability, I'm getting in the groove but know that I still have heaps to look forward to and lots of room to develop further.

What goes through your mind when you're cycling in an event?

When I'm competing I am focusing on what I'm doing. Pedal strokes, corners, listening to what Gabby is telling me and trying not to focus on the pain. We had a few NZ supporters cheering for us during our races and that would always give me a boast.

As an athlete, what would your advice be to aspiring sports people?

If you want it then go for it, give it your all, because that is what it takes.