Rushlee Buchanan retires from cycling, but work is far from finished

Rushlee Buchanan wins the Womens Elite and U23 road race in 2017. Photo / John Cowpland.

Rushlee Buchanan may have retired from cycling, but her work at Cycling New Zealand is far from finished.

The 33-year-old has called time on a 15-year professional career, winning four world championship medals, as well as a silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Buchanan spent over a decade as a professional on the road, mostly in USA, and when returning home in her off-season, she won four national road championship titles - the most by a female rider - and one time-trial.

Buchanan's world will still revolve around the sport, but from a welfare point of view.

Late in her cycling career, Buchanan became the chair of the first Athlete Voice Committee, established to give riders a direct link with Cycling New Zealand's governance.

She's set to finish her Masters in sport management next year, with a goal of being involved in governance and management at the national organisation.

"There's a huge push for wellbeing in sport and women in sport, and I just want to be part of that growth.

"Sport in New Zealand and the world is changing shape and I'd love to give back. I want to help Cycling New Zealand and other organisations in understanding each other."

The tragic loss of elite cyclist Olivia Podmore in September prompted an outpouring of anger and emotion among athletes, parents and coaches, who posed pointed questions about whether the high performance system was really serving its athletes.

Buchanan said her main focus was to bridge the very wide gap between athletes and staff.

"I think the barriers are in communication, and if each side gets to know the perspectives and values of the other side then the organisation can be more efficient."

Buchanan knows all too well what it's like to suffer from poor mental health. Just last month she opened up about her own personal struggles. She says at various points in her career she felt overwhelmed and unhappy, and she admits she still has bad days where she can't get out of the fog.

Buchanan said Podmore's death did not influence her decision to retire, but it did change the way she viewed her disappointment after being dissatisfied with her 11th place finish in the madison at the Tokyo Olympics.

"I want to help create awareness around mental health and the barriers that athletes face and the challenges we have to overcome."

For Buchanan, it's not about sport and athletes specifically – she wants to normalise reaching out for help, no matter who you are.

"People have helped me and I'd like to help someone else now."

Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 (available 24/7)
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (12pm to 11pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Anxiety helpline: 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY) (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.