Racing’s rising star

Emily Yeaman’s dedication to training has led to quick success on the track.

Cyclist Emily Yeaman. Pictures: Phil Rogers

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Emily Yeaman’s dedication to training has led to quick success on the track.

Despite only switching to cycling three years ago, the 16-year-old won gold in the Madison Race with partner Hannah Sandison at the Western Sydney Academy of Sport State Championships this year and also won silver in the Individual Pursuit.

Emily switched from triathlons to cycling three years ago and hasn’t looked back.

The former triathlete started focusing solely on cycling three years ago.

“I just didn’t really enjoy the running and swimming (of triathlons) but I enjoyed the cycling,” she said.

Emily, a member of the Western Sydney Academy of Sports Cycling Squad, also joined the Junior Track National Championship team this year and won bronze as part of the NSW U17 Girls team at the Junior Track Nationals in February.

The focused teenager said she usually completed around 12 training sessions per week, each a couple of hours long.

“The saying is we train 24/7 because no matter what you’re doing on or off the bike, you’re always preparing for the next session,” she said.

Emily said the individual nature of cycling meant athletes needed to be “very dedicated” and have “the mental strength to keep going”.

She went on to say that she would love to be racing professionally one day.

“I’m looking at moving to the States for college and hopefully get picked up by one of their state or college programs for cycling and moving through there to racing in Europe,” she said.

The Junior Sports Star awards are sponsored by Rebel.

To nominate someone you know, visit juniorsportsstar.com.au