Next week, I’ll be heading to Zurich, Switzerland, for what will be my final Para Cycling Road World Championships. This will mark my 11th World Championships since I began competitive cycling in 2011, and with 9 World Championship titles under my belt, it’s been quite the ride (pun intended!).

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges, but it’s more than just getting back on track—it's about evolving with every experience, especially the tough ones. Every setback offers us a moment to learn, grow, and recalibrate. But it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing challenges as roadblocks instead of what they really are: stepping stones toward something greater.

Understanding the magic in being who you truly are is a gift given to me by my brother Brian.  I didn’t know I had a brother until I was about 11 years old.  He was my dad’s sone from previous marriage.  We, my sister and I were told that Brian was different than most of us, you see he was born with Down Syndrome, but when we got to know him he was just Brian.  He was 5 years older than me and everything about Brian was BIG!

We often hear about the fear of failure, but what about the fear of trying? It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of success or failure, but what’s often overlooked is the importance of simply trying. The fear of not succeeding can be so overwhelming that it stops us from even taking the first step. But here’s the thing: not trying is the only guaranteed way to fail.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to find ourselves feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or even overwhelmed. But how do we know if we’re simply bored, just tired, or genuinely burnt out? Understanding the differences between these states is crucial for addressing the root cause and finding the right solutions.

In life, we often find ourselves staring at a mountain of challenges, feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to move forward. The key to overcoming these obstacles is to shift our focus from what's impossible to what's possible. This mindset shift can transform our approach to challenges and open up new pathways to success.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been born into the family I was. When I was 7, I watched the 1968 Mexico Olympics and was mesmerised by the gymnasts. I decided right then that I would be an Olympic gymnast for Canada. However, no one told me that my body type didn't fit the gymnast mould. When I was 9, I tried out for an elite gymnastics club, only to be told by a rather unsympathetic woman that I was too fat for gymnastics and should give it up.

We've all been there caught in the aftermath of a decision that makes us cringe in hindsight. It’s human nature to make mistakes, but there are ways to minimise those moments and ensure that we make smarter, more thoughtful choices.

Inspiration isn’t about extraordinary achievements or overcoming immense challenges. It's about the resilience to push through, to do what you love, and to share that passion with others. The essence of inspiring others lies in the daily commitment to our goals, no matter the obstacles.

In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, embracing optimism can be a powerful tool for navigating life's ups and downs. Optimism is not just about seeing the glass half full; it’s about believing in the possibility of positive outcomes and using that belief to fuel your actions and decisions.

I like to ask people, “Do you get what you expect?” For me, the answer is a resounding yes. I expect more from myself than anyone else could possibly dream up.

A few weeks ago, I found myself in the hospital, facing one of the worst scenarios imaginable. It was a challenging time, both physically and emotionally. But what got me through it was the simple act of staying in the moment.