Emma Finucane’s remarkable rise to cycling stardom has made her one of Wales’ most celebrated athletes. Once just a young girl with dreams of Olympic glory, she has now etched her name in history as one of the best sprinters, coming home from the Paris 2024 Olympics with three medals: one gold and two bronzes.
Returning to Carmarthen Park, where it all began at the local velodrome, Finucane recalled the innocent beginnings of her cycling career, saying, "I would go round and round the track on my little pink bike with tassels on it. That was it – I was hooked.” Since those carefree days, life has drastically changed for the young champion.
The dream became reality as Finucane captured gold during the team sprint event, marking her as the first British woman to win three medals at the same Olympic Games and the first Welsh athlete to achieve such success. "It has changed my life," she expressed, reflecting on her newfound fame, which included being recognized by locals after her Olympic triumph.
The 21-year-old jumped headfirst from competition to competition, winning two bronze medals at the Commonwealth Games and securing her spot as a favorite heading to the Olympics after dominating the World Championships. "Everything happened so fast," she commented, underscoring the whirlwind nature of her ascent.
Counting teammates like Jessica Roberts—another Olympic medalist—as friends and fellow competitors, Finucane shares the joy of camaraderie at the velodrome. Their local club, Towy Riders, remains instrumental feedback for cycling's younger generation, instilling both ambition and passion.
Finucane’s Olympic experience was not just about winning; it was the culmination of years of discipline, sacrifice, and training. She acknowledged, "If you crash, if you slip slightly, one mistake, it’s over. You prepare for years, and it all came out in 45 seconds and it’s crazy how much time and preparation goes.”
With rigorous training habits, including gym sessions and time on the track several days each week, Finucane maintains peak fitness levels. While her diet is relatively strict, encompassing healthy foods to fuel her performance, she also admits to indulging occasionally. "I can have pizza, or maybe I’ll even have Indian takeaway tonight if I want one,” she assured, highlighting the balance athletes strive to achieve.
Looking to the future, Finucane remains grounded yet ambitious, eagerly setting her sight on the LA 2028 Olympics. "I want to win three gold medals at LA, and I want to be the best British female sprinter ever," she declared passionately. Inspired by previous legends like Victoria Pendleton, her vision blends personal achievement with the desire to inspire young athletes.
Reflecting on her transformational achievement, Finucane emphasized her wish to offer others hope. "I want to inspire people to get out there and bike – it’s a healthy way of life," she said, radiantly envisioning future cycling stars following her footsteps, cartwheeling through the tracks, and seizing their opportunities.
With her remarkable achievements and dedication to improving cycling culture, Emma Finucane’s story is far from over—it is merely just beginning.
