From Athlete to Mentor: Sammie Maxwell's Journey with NZMTBA

Sammie Maxwell, NZMTBA alumni and mentor.

Sammie Maxwell joined the New Zealand Mountain Bike Academy (NZMTBA) as a college student who wasn't sure mountain biking could ever be more than a passion project. Years later, she's one of its most valued alumni, and now, one of its mentors.

"I was still in college when I first joined the academy, so my life looked pretty different back then," Sammie says. "Being able to bike and push my limits was kind of like a side hobby, something that I never really thought I could make as a career."

What drew her in was the environment the NZMTBA had built. The opportunity to learn from people across different disciplines, to travel and gain experience, and above all, to feel genuinely supported in her development as an athlete. For Sammie, the most meaningful part of that support wasn't a training plan or a travel budget, it was the people around her.

"The biggest support I got from the academy was actually just a really awesome support network of knowledgeable people around me. As a human being, I'm pretty driven and I have a big desire to push myself, so to have a whole bunch of knowledgeable people around me to rein me in was pretty important."

That self-awareness didn't come all at once. Looking back, Sammie is honest about the lessons that took time to learn, particularly around the expectations she set for herself.

"I've learned a lot about listening to my body. The high expectations I set for myself, and how sometimes that desire to meet those expectation, or the fear of not meeting them, can become more of a problem than any obstacle ever was. I'm learning to deal with that with a bit more compassion."

It's a kind of growth that goes beyond results. Sammie describes building confidence, pushing her limits in ways that are healthier and more sustainable, and finding a sense of peace with the present moment.

If she could go back and tell her younger self one thing? "It sounds a bit cheesy, but it would probably just be to chill out and enjoy the present. Racing is hard, we are as good as our last race, and we're continually chasing the next win. To be able to stop and really appreciate what you've got right now is super valuable, and something I wish I had learned sooner."

Today, Sammie's relationship with the NZMTBA has evolved. She's stepped into a mentorship role, working alongside younger riders, sharing what she's learned, and contributing to the culture that shaped her.

"I love being able to talk to younger riders and teach them what I've learned. A big thing that motivates me is helping to create the next generation of strong and knowledgeable athletes."

"I just love the direction this academy is going in. I think it adds so much value to New Zealand mountain biking and New Zealand in general. It's pretty cool work to be doing, and I'm really grateful to be part of it."