As a young teenager, I grappled with persistent feelings of anxiety and restlessness, though I lacked the understanding and vocabulary to make sense of what I was experiencing. At the time, sport became my sanctuary—a place where I could channel my energy and find a sense of control. Competing in triathlon at a high level throughout school gave me focus and purpose, providing an essential outlet during those formative years. However, when I shifted my energy toward pursuing a degree in Construction Management & Economics, I stepped away from sport entirely—a decision that had a profound impact on my mental health, though I didn’t fully recognise it at the time.
In early adulthood, my struggles intensified. My obsessive tendencies evolved into unhealthy coping mechanisms, and occasional substance use spiraled into regular abuse. By 2010, I had hit rock bottom. I was trapped in a cycle of addiction, relying on illicit substances and battling suicidal thoughts. It was a dark and isolating period, marked by a profound sense of hopelessness and being stuck.
Recognizing the need for change, I made the life-altering decision to enter rehab. It was there that I began the long process of confronting my mental health head-on. Though it was one of the most challenging times of my life, it was also the start of my journey toward recovery, resilience, and ultimately rediscovering a sense of purpose.
It was my dad who encouraged me to get back on the bike, and that simple nudge changed everything. I quickly became obsessed, realizing I could channel my obsessive tendencies in a positive, constructive way through cycling. In 2014, I took a break from my career to pursue semi-professional racing in Belgium. It was a dream come true—but the journey wasn’t without its challenges.
In 2015, upon returning from Belgium, I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. The diagnosis forced me off the bike for 12 months, leaving me unable to exercise. During this time, my depression and dark thoughts resurfaced, testing me once again. But as I gradually recovered and was able to ride again, I came to a powerful realization: life is about living.
I made the bold decision to leave my full-time job. I wasn’t happy with the direction my life had taken and knew I needed a change. At 26, I decided to pursue an unconventional dream: to become a professional cyclist. Many told me I was crazy—that there was no clear pathway for financial stability, and that my chances of success were slim to none. But I was determined. I believed that if I set my mind to something, I could make it happen.
As I worked toward my goal, I also discovered the power of storytelling. By building an online following and sharing my journey, I realized I could use my experiences to inspire and positively impact the lives of others.
I’ve always thrived on pushing myself mentally and physically, and rather than focus solely on racing, I set out to undertake extreme cycling challenges. Through these challenges, I created films to document my journey—showcasing what’s possible and using the bike as a vehicle to inspire resilience and perseverance in others.
By 2019, my efforts had led to partnerships with some of the biggest brands in cycling. I began pushing the limits of what was considered possible, embarking on challenges that redefined endurance and grit.
Later that year, I relocated to Girona, Spain—a global hub for cycling. Now, as a professional athlete, I dedicate my life to pushing boundaries on the bike and using my platform to inspire and better the lives of others.
