New Zealander Rae Morrison found her calling hurtling down mountains on two wheels. After a childhood of team sports, she joined her father and uncle at a multisport competition in her mid-teens. Running and swimming didn’t interest her, but she immediately fell in love with mountain biking.

Her parents supported the hobby, buying a mountain bike that she shared with her two brothers. Thanks to their lack of interest, Morrison soon had the bike to herself. She joined a local biking club and began spending most of her free time practicing on local trails.

Many professional athletes dive right into their sport as an adult. But Morrison’s path was different. She became a physiotherapist and spent several years working in the field. At some point, however, she realized how much she missed racing and took a turn. 

Morrison’s first foray into professional mountain biking wasn’t easy. With neither a team nor sponsor, she used savings to fund her inaugural season on the Enduro World Series. She slept in a van and ate meals of oats and instant noodles as she raced her way across Europe.

The risk paid off, as her progress and dedication turned heads around the sport. She signed with a French team after her inaugural season, happily entering the world of sponsored competition.

Morrison went on to find plenty of success in EWS. She’s won several races and finished in the top 10 of the 2019-20 season standings. Her wins have come at a cost, though. She’s dealt with a variety of injuries, including a broken hip and pelvis that left her wheelchair-bound and wondering if she’d be able to compete again.

When it comes to inspiration, Morrison cites the following quote from Winnie the Pooh. "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you ever know.”

When not tackling trails at blinding speed, Morrison enjoys relaxing walks with her dog, Arty. We’re excited to support Rae in her endeavors, whether it’s competing at the highest levels or spreading her passion for mountain biking.