Looking Back at 2025
As one year closes and another arrives, most of us take a moment to glance in the rear-view mirror. What worked? What didn’t? What stretched us? I’m no different — and if I’m honest, I’m not sad to see 2025 roll on by.
The year began with my final national races in Perth. Retiring from para-cycling on my own terms felt like closing a chapter with dignity. I was excited about what “Carol version 6” might become. After two decades across three sports, I was ready to give back in new ways.
I applied for roles, volunteered, showed up — and the doors didn’t open. The highlight was managing the Australian Para Cycling team at the World Cup in Belgium. It challenged me, humbled me, and reminded me that being staff is often harder than being an athlete. I loved it, even with the hiccups. When the program moved in another direction, it stung - but I learned to let go.
Quietly, I suspected that the doors didn’t open and that age might have been part of the picture. Nobody says it out loud — but sometimes you feel it. Here’s where I landed: age isn’t a liability. It’s experience, context, steadiness. If a door closes because someone can’t see that, then it’s not the door I’m meant to walk through. As it turned out I was able to be invited to be on a couple of committee’s where I will be able to impart some of the wisdom I have learnt over the years.
Then came the crash, the hospital stay, healing, a precious trip to Canada, new speaking work, rebuilding fitness, a change in MS treatment, the loss of a dear friend, vein surgery — and finally, a hip replacement. Three weeks on, I’m walking further than I have in years — and without pain.
What 2025 taught me:
The plan changes — loosen your grip.
Today counts — don’t waste it.
Tell people you love them — now.
“No” can still move you toward the right “yes.”
Growing older doesn’t reduce your value — it often deepens it.
My closing thought:
“I may be older, but I’m not finished — I’m just finding new ways to contribute.”~ Carol Cooke AM PLY