About Us
Nicole Shields
2024 Olympic Silver Medalist - Team Pursuit
Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar
Clyde, New Zealand
I have always loved sport. What it does for communities, wellbeing and connection. As I’ve moved through the high-performance system, my relationship with sport has evolved. I continue to question the role of elite sport, especially in something as niche and inaccessible as track cycling. I recognise the privilege I’ve had in chasing my Olympic dream, but I’ve come to see the bike as much more than a vehicle for competition. It’s a tool for freedom, self- expression, and connection - a way to see the world.
I’m passionate about helping cycling to become more accessible, reducing barriers to entry, and celebrating the rise of casual and inclusive formats like gravel riding. I want to see the bike used for connection, to both people and the environment. Not just for competition.
World Bicycle Relief’s mission embodies these principles, using bikes as a vehicle for freedom and progress, empowering individuals through access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Through this journey, I want to use the bike not just to go fast, but to go further. Not only for my self, but for the world around me. This Africa trip is about using the bike for more than personal performance. It’s about purpose, people, and adventure.
Hamish Legarth
2024 Paris Olympian - Sprint Kayaking K4
Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar
Havelock North, New Zealand
Throughout my time as a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholar, I gained a deep appreciation for Sir Ed’s legacy. Not just as an adventurer, but as someone who valued his humanitarian work above all else. So for me, this feels like the perfect opportunity to give back.
For a number of years, I’ve fully committed myself to the sport of Sprint Kayaking, a journey that led me to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where I proudly finished 8th. Sport has taught me the power of dedication, resilience, and excellence. Now, I’m incredibly grateful to be in a position where I can use those lessons to uplift others. I’ve loved sharing my story in schools across New Zealand and I’m excited to now extend that impact beyond our borders and make a difference on a global scale.