Paracyling World Championships , Italy. August 2018

Eltje is a true representation of a great athete; disciplined, focused, committed, resilient. As a successful competitive cyclist for many years she competed in regional and national championship competitions as well as major events including Wellington to Auckland and riding the Ohakune Mountain road the hardest climb in NZ.

However the worst fears for most cyclists were realized by Eltje on March 5th 2016. Whilst on a training ride 30kms from home, she was found by a motorist on the side of the road. On the edge of life, literally the lowest level on the coma scale that you can survive. Airlifted to Waikato Hospital and was kept in the Intensive Care for weeks, dealing with severe traumatic brain injury, and fractures to vertebrae in her neck .

In true champion style Eltje worked through 14 months in rehab and fought to get on with one of her passions in life - the bike.

Despite the scepticism about returning to competing Eltje has overcome extraordinary odds to return to fighting form on the bike. While the daily consequences of the accident are evident; including significant loss of balance and ataxia, relying on a crutch to walk with difficulty, Eltje successes are only beginning with a National title in the Tricycle event and selection to represent NZ at the Para-cycling World Road Championships in Italy in August.

Get in behind this incredible Cambridge local athlete, champion, warrior, one who shows us that life can be tough, but it is what you make it. Be a part of our team heading towards Paralympic gold in Toyko 2020, with the first step in Italy in August 2018.

Money donated will be helping with the costs of Eltjes World championship campaign and converting her bike into a lighter and faster tricycle modified to her needs.

If you would like to check out further, click the links at the right hand side of this page.

Thank you for your help and support

(Written by fellow teammate)