MITCH WILSON When it comes to successful athletes, overcoming adversity is often part of the road to glory. Mitch Wilson has been a highly motivated athlete for as far back as he can remember, and while his road to success has been strewn with obstacles and challenges, he continues striving to overcome them. 28 <strong>INSPO</strong> – FITNESS JOURNAL OCTOBER <strong>2017</strong>
Eugene Bonthuys Media - ebmedia.shootproof.com Sport has always been a huge part of his life, since he started swimming and athletics aged three. "At school, rugby became my main sport. I thrived whenever sports were involved. As a child it was all I lived for. All I focused on was winning." Mitch's life took a drastic turn in 2012 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor, throwing his sporting involvement into disarray. "My eyesight was damaged extensively and I was left legally blind. In 2013, I was given the all clear, having beaten the cancerous tumor. " From 2012 to 2014, Mitchell admits that he struggled adapting to his new life. "Eventually I began to think about sports again, as well as what I wanted to achieve. My first thought was Paralympic and World Champion. I inquired through Sport Waikato to see what sports visually impaired people could compete in and para-cycling was mentioned." Mitch attended a Talent ID camp in New Plymouth in 2015 and although he initially missed out on making the Para-cycling NZ development programme, he continued attending events and showing his interest. His perseverance paid off and mid-2015 he was invited into the development programme. In 2016, Para-cycling invited Mitch into the Pathway to Podium programme led by Daniella Cameron in the Waikato region. Competing at national road and track cycling events with his pilot was a 'good learning curve' and the pair achieved some solid results, getting personal best results each time they competed. Earlier this year, Mitchell paired up with a new pilot (a former junior world champion) and in their first event together they rode a New Zealand record time in the Individual pursuit and also gained gold in the National's road race event. <strong>INSPO</strong> <strong>Fitness</strong> <strong>Journal</strong> finds out more ... Name: Mitchell Wilson Age: 24 Sport: ParaCycling Current ranking: <strong>2017</strong>, tandem individual pursuit New Zealand record holder, and fourth place at International Criterion, Tokyo Career path: I hope to be a dog trainer, and also share my story with others. Sporting goals: Winning at World Champs and Paralympic Games. Breaking World and Paralympic records. Upcoming goals: • Training to build power, strength and endurance. • Regional Championships in December, <strong>2017</strong>. • Nationals in February 2018. • Trying to qualify for Worlds in 2018. Greatest successes to date in the sport: February <strong>2017</strong>, New Zealand national record time in the Individual pursuit (Para- Cycling). What motivates you: Striving to be the best. Greatest challenge: Being able to produce the power needed to reach the top level. The team around you: Katie Schofield (coach), Stu MacDonald (ParaCycling NZ), Laura Thompson (ParaCycling NZ development co-ordinator), Daniella Cameron (P2P co-ordinator), Rod Corban (HPSNZ sport psychologist), Christina Jacklin (HPSNZ athlete life advisor), Bill Smart (strength and conditioning coach). Long term goals and what is required to reach them: World and Paralympic Champion in 1km Time Trial. World Record in 1 km TT. To reach them requires 100% commitment and effort in training, nutrition and all areas of life. Your favourite local spots to train: On the erg in my shed. At the Avantidrome (Cambridge) on the track and in the gym. Your advice to others wanting to have a go at the sport: Do it! Pathway to Podium Pathway to Podium (P2P) is a partnership between Sport New Zealand, High Performance Sport New Zealand, and targeted National Sporting Organisations to ensure emerging athletes are fully prepared to enter the demanding high performance sport system. P2P operates through a national network of 14 Regional Talent Hubs. The hubs provide opportunities for athletes from different sports to come together, attend educational workshops, and receive advice and instruction in various athlete performance support disciplines such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, athlete life and psychology. A hub coordinator works with athletes, coaches, and National Sporting Organisation staff to provide coordinated support to best prepare athletes for high performance and international competition. Athletes are selected to the programme by nomination from their National Sporting Organisation. For Paralympics New Zealand, nomination considerations include performance progression, readiness for international competition, and demonstrated commitment to desirable high performance behaviours. 29
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