Aspiring cyclist stays on track

University of Waikato student and Sir Edmund Hillary scholar Nina Wollaston. Photo credit: Samantha Croft.

University of Waikato student and Hillary scholar Nina Wollaston is pushing the boundaries of women’s cycling.

The former Auckland local made the move to the Waikato to study a Bachelor of Management Studies at the University while pursuing a sporting career in track cycling.

Inspired by New Zealand’s top female cyclists, including Sarah Ulmer and Alison Shanks, moving to Hamilton to pursue her dream wasn’t a hard decision given the world-class Avantidrome in Cambridge is only a short drive away.

Nina has a host of age-group and elite national titles to her name, including a bronze medal from the Junior World Track Champs. She’s aiming for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo to make her mark, and wants to be an influence on younger riders.

She says her pursuit of studying and training wouldn’t be possible without the help of the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship.

“This scholarship has given me the resources and time to be able to combine full-time study and training to the best of my abilities. I haven’t had to sacrifice either of the two, which has been greatly beneficial to my achievements and success to date.

“I’m very grateful for the support through busy schedule times that has helped me keep organised and on track.”

Through the programme, students receive personalised academic support, leading coaching or tutoring, leadership development and a scholarship worth up to $10,000 a year.

Applications for the Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship, as well as many other scholarships, are now open. For more information and to apply visit Waikato Scholarships

---