Medals first, then people

Cycling New Zealand and High Performance Sport New Zealand must take responsibility for the trauma experienced within its programme, an independent review due for release on Monday is set to reveal.

Stuff has confirmed through multiple sources that the review into cycling and the high performance environment will address a culture of medals over athletes, favouritism, financial instability, contracts, a disconnect between staff and athletes, the ‘‘concerning’’ use of non-disclosure agreements, the centralised high performance model, staff hiring practices and a lack of consideration of women’s health.

It was established following the death of Olympic cyclist Olivia Podmore in August 2021 and was led by Mike Heron QC and senior academic Sarah Leberman.

While it does not explore Podmore’s death, it does take a broad approach to several key issues within the programme.

According to Stuff sources, the 100-plus page document offers more than 25 recommendations, including CNZ and HPSNZ being more accountable and transparent, taking a holistic approach to athletes being humans first, and a redefinition of what success means.

It also suggests there is not a ‘‘one size fits all’’ approach to welfare within the environment.