Absorbing Olympic Scale disappointment - A reflection

Written By Rachel Neylan

In sport the biggest lesson to learn from an early age is acceptance and overcoming, that you win some, you lose some.

AND the notion that it's completely possible to have sheer pride and joy in another's position and yet at the same time be able to be honestly and transparently disappointed not to have achieved your own goal of the same objective.

The depth there was to select this Olympic team from was perhaps the best ever. The wonderful truth is that AusCycling women's cycling is thriving on the global stage.

Stepping back with a greater perspective... I'm proud to not only be part of this group of athletes now, but to have been a part of it the trajectory over the past ten years. Seeing young ones boom through has been a joy.

A few reflections on this week... The truth is I worked to every depth possible to be in Tokyo, and being in the form of my life doesn't make it easier. Not having access to start required selection races, clearly one of the most devastating blows ever in my career.

But I've accepted it wholeheartedly. knowing deeply it doesn't change me as an athlete, nor as a human being.

Raw and honestly speaking, as much as it hurts seeing all the #Tokyo2020 images this week and not being there, I know I'm not alone and hundreds of other athletes would be feeling the same in these days - disappointment yet joy, enthusiasm and belief in others.

I know without doubt our Aussie Womens Road quartet of Amanda Spratt, Grace Brown, Tiffany Cromwell & Sarah Gigante will be an incredibly strong team on on Sunday to do #Australia proud. I'm sending all my love and luck their way 💛💚

Rachel Neylan

Rachel is a former professional road cyclist and Olympian with over a decade of experience in World Tour Cycling. Her journey from a practicing Sydney-based physiotherapist to a World Championship Silver medalist in just 5 years showcases her exceptional drive and tenacity. Rachel's career highlights include a World Championship Silver medal, Olympic Games representation and consistent world-class performances.

With a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney and current study with a MSc in Coaching Psychology, Rachel combines academic knowledge with practical experience. Her unique insights into high-performance, resilience-building, and personal growth stem from her successful athletic career and physiotherapy background.

Rachel's approach to coaching is informed by her relentless pursuit of optimal performance, both physically and mentally. She brings a learning mindset, optimism, and energy to her work, focusing on helping leaders and teams activate their capacity for resilience and excellence.

Her expertise extends beyond cycling, as she now provides consulting and coaching to teams and organisations in corporate, health, and high-performance sport sectors. Rachel's passion for empowering others, combined with her infectious enthusiasm and unique perspective, makes her an invaluable asset to any team or individual seeking to achieve their performance potential.

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