You Can't Be What You Can't See.

Behind the rise of Lucie Stewart

Por Black Sheep Cycling

In the realm of elite sport, where the spotlight often shines brighter on male athletes, the journey of one of Australia’s brightest cycling prospects, Lucie Stewart, illuminates the path for aspiring female athletes and the importance of what it means to dream. As we celebrate International Women's Day, Lucie’s story reminds us of the transformative power of visibility in women's sports.

Girls like Lucie can now dream, which is far more powerful than any type of self-perceived resilience.

Lucie’s triumph in the Melbourne to Warrnambool, a milestone in her career, came off the back of one of her greatest setbacks. As one of the stars leading into the summer of cycling, Lucie crashed prior to Australia’s Road Nationals, breaking her collar-bone and her hopes along with it. To spoil a good story, she dusted herself off and went on to win Australia’s oldest road race, the Warny, a month later. Yet that completely undervalues both her own self-determination and perhaps some greater societal developments. Girls like Lucie can now dream, which is far more powerful than any type of self-perceived resilience.

Lucie’s short career is perhaps one of the very early case studies of a new generation of elite female athletes that are now inspired by their heroes. As Lucie says, "You can't be what you can't see". For Lucie, she has been inspired by riders such as Marrianne Vos and Annemiek van Vluten, who now grace TV screens (or mobile phones) almost on a weekly basis. A future where every young girl, fueled by the achievements of her role models, can confidently pursue her passion, knowing that her potential could one day be limitless. "The goal is definitely to get into the world tour and be competitive at the top level," Lucie asserts, her sights set on the highest echelons of her sport.

The journey towards full equality is ongoing.

The landscape of women's professional cycling, as Lucie notes, is evolving, with increased financial security and support for female athletes. Yet, the journey towards full equality is ongoing. So whilst many see International Women's Day as some altruistic exercise, it should be a reminder of the incredible potential that can come from what we are asking. A reminder to commit to a future where equality and visibility in sports are not aspirations but realities. A future where every young girl, fueled by the achievements of her role models, can confidently pursue her passion, knowing that her potential is limitless.