Marsden Primary was delighted to welcome Nicole Shields, New Zealand road and track cyclist and silver medallist at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, to speak with our Year 5 and 6 students. 

Nicole offered an engaging and insightful presentation, beginning with an explanation of how the team pursuit works and what it takes to perform at the highest level on the world stage. She shared her personal journey to the Olympics, including the dedication and training required, as well as the challenges she has faced along the way.

Students were particularly inspired by Nicole's story of resilience as she spoke about her recovery from Long Covid, a setback that required patience, determination, and a strong support network. Her honesty and optimism offered valuable lessons in perseverance. 

Students were also fascinated by Nicole's recent charitable endeavour — a fundraising ride from Uganda to Zimbabwe in support of World Bicycle Relief. Through this initiative, she helped raise money to provide bicycles for people in the communities she travelled through, enabling better access to education, healthcare, and employment.

Nicole's visit was uplifting and memorable, leaving students encouraged by her message of grit, generosity, and courage in the face of adversity. We are grateful to her for sharing her story and inspiring our young learners to pursue their goals with confidence and heart.