By Jessica Anstice
Phoebe Thompson will represent Australia at the 2019 UCI MTB World Championships in Canada.
The St Margaret’s School and Berwick Grammar School Year 11 student was selected to be part of the Australian Mountain Bike team at the start of this month.
When she was announced a member of the team she felt mostly overwhelmed yet “extremely excited and proud”.
“Twelve months ago, this possibility seemed out of reach, but when you think and dream big you can make big things happen,” Phoebe said.
With preparation well underway, Phoebe is set to take Canada at the end of August.
“I am not only focusing on physically preparing, but also mentally,” she said.
“As for any sport, how you compose yourself psychologically largely influences what you can produce physically.
“To prepare physically I am working with my coach to complete specific training that aims to have me performing at my best possible when I compete.”
In Sainte-Anne, Canada, Phoebe will compete against some of the best mountain bike riders in the world.
“I am most looking forward to the experience that I will gain while racing on an unfamiliar course which will see me learn many lessons that I will apply to bettering myself in my sport and life,” she said.
St Margaret’s School and Berwick Grammar School Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) and cycling coordinator Andrew Lardner said the “fantastic opportunity” is the result of her dedication to the sport.
“She has dedicated so much time in developing her riding skills and improving her race fitness in order to perform at an elite level,” Mr Lardner said.
“It showcases that, for our up and coming riders in the school, hard work, determination and persistence can pay off with fantastic opportunities at ultimate success.
“Phoebe is a wonderful role model for our squad members.”
Since Year 7, Phoebe has been riding with the school in mountain biking, road cycling and HPV.
In that time she has been the Victorian School’s Cycling Championship’s State Mountain Biking champion multiple times (2017 and 2018).
“The entire squad wishes her all the best for this amazing opportunity,” he added.
Phoebe says she was introduced to bikes at a very young age.
“I have been riding bikes for a very long time. I was always surrounded with members of my immediate and extended family who shared a passion for the sport,” she explained.
“I began to show a real interest in riding during primary school and began racing in Year 5 at age 11.”
Mountain biking is a “significant” part of Phoebe’s life.
“There are an unlimited number of factors that make my sport enjoyable,” she said.
“It has taught me many valuable skills such as discipline, mental regulation and has helped me maintain a good lifestyle balance.
“I will continue to apply these skills in riding and in other aspects of life.”
Phoebe says she enjoys the rewards associated with hard work and determination the sport offers.
“It is an indescribable feeling when you begin to notice yourself achieving results and goals that you might have only ever dreamed of conquering,” she added.
Phoebe’s anticipates she will continue enjoying what she loves doing – being on a bike.
“I will not limit my expectations for the future but, instead, strive for whatever may seem impossible at the time,” she said.
“So far on my on my journey I have learnt to believe in your ability and not be afraid to test your limits.
“By following these principles you will be surprised at what you can achieve.”
