Emma Lund

Started: She began cycling at age 13. (nyheder.tv2.dk, 09 Jan 2024) Reason: She came from a sports-loving family that regularly went on cycling trips, but she was unable to join her family because she could not cycle. She then learned to ride so she could join her family. "It wasn't fun to be the only one who couldn't go on a trip with my own family because I couldn't ride a bike." (nyheder.tv2.dk, 09 Jan 2024) Ambition: To win gold in the road race and at least silver in the time trial at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (olympics.com, 20 Mar 2024) Awards: She received the 2024 Helene Elsass Award in Denmark. (dif.dk, 10 Apr 2024) She won the 2023 Minister of Culture's Parasports Award in Denmark. (dif.dk, 10 Apr 2024) Additional Info: FULL-TIME ATHLETE In December 2022 she left her nursing studies at the Copenhagen University of Applied Sciences in Denmark in order to focus on her cycling career. "I couldn't get enough recovery because I had to devote 37 hours [a week] to my studies, cycle two to three hours a day, recover, and do homework in the evenings. I need more sleep and recovery time than other athletes. So, I would rather go all-in on the sport than do something half-heartedly." (dr.dk, 10 Aug 2023; Instagram profile, 23 Dec 2022) MENTAL HEALTH She says that cycling has helped her to overcome mental health struggles. "Cycling has given me a free space and a mental boost. The training releases endorphins in the brain, and that free space that you get when you are cycling is just the best. I love it, and it has given me a lot of self-confidence. Of course, some of the unpleasant experiences are still stored in me somewhere. But I'm so happy that I found this sport where I can compete on equal terms with others that have the same challenges as me. It shows me that my disability does not have to be a limitation." (olympics.com, 20 Mar 2024)