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Waking Up Early for Gold: A Mum's Olympics Morning Routine Takes on New Meaning!

Discover how the Olympic spirit keeps a family's memory alive as they embrace the Paris Games with courage and love.

As the world gears up for the highly anticipated Paris Olympics, athletes and fans aren’t the only ones feeling the buzz. For Nienke Middleton, a mother of former NZ cyclist Olivia Podmore, this year’s Olympics marks a poignant reminder of her daughter’s absence. Olivia, who tragically passed away in 2022, brought great pride and joy to her family and all of New Zealand. With the Games just around the corner, Nienke is making it a point to wake up early and cheer for every Kiwi competitor, dedicated to ensuring her daughter’s spirit shines brightly even in her absence.

The Olympic Games have always been a unifying force, and for Nienke, this means gathering family and friends to watch the events together. Each gold medal, silver, or bronze won by her fellow New Zealanders reminds her not only of the glory of sports but also of the tenacity her daughter radiated during her own racing career. Nienke shares that Olivia was deeply passionate about her sport, training hard and pushing limits, making it clear how much she would have loved the spectacle of this year’s Games.

As the Paris Olympics move into full swing, Nienke is embracing the traditions of early-morning viewing rituals. With passion in her heart, she’s scheduling family breakfasts and popcorn-packed viewing parties to keep Olivia's memory alive while celebrating the courage of the athletes vying for their dream on the global stage. She reflects on how sport can unite people in both joy and sorrow, creating a sense of community that transcends personal loss.

Although the absence of Olivia may cast a shadow on this year’s games, Nienke is determined to find light in it by focusing on the sports that her daughter loved. She hopes that through the cheers of her family, Olivia will feel the collective love and pride from Aotearoa as Kiwi competitors bring their best to Paris. This beautiful blend of grief, celebration, and Olympic spirit showcases how resilient bonds can bring healing amid heartache.

Did you know that New Zealand has a rich Olympic history? The country has participated in every Summer Games since 1908 and has won an impressive total of 200 medals! Also, the Olympic motto, "Citius, Altius, Fortius" means "Faster, Higher, Stronger," a fitting reminder for both athletes and their families to push their limits and embrace the spirit of the Games, just as Nienke embraces her daughter's memory amidst the joy and excitement of competition!