Beyond Limits: Evie Richards’ Journey from Concussion and Rare Syndrome to Mountain Bike World Champion

A Racer’s Journey in Mountain Biking

Evie Richards, a talented 28-year-old mountain biker, humorously asserts, “I think I was born to race short track.” This claim follows her impressive commencement to the mountain biking season, where she achieved two consecutive wins in the short-track discipline in Araxa, Brazil, and secured a third-place finish in a longer cross-country race. Her accolades highlight her resilience and skill as a competitive athlete.

Breaking Records in Araxa

In her second win at Araxa this April, Richards made headlines by breaking French veteran Pauline Ferrand-Prevot’s record for short-track victories, establishing a new elite women’s record with seven wins. Reflecting on this achievement, she recalls, “I had no idea! Luckily I didn’t know because I was so nervous for that race.” Despite the pressure, she felt a sense of accomplishment, stating, “For me that race was like a six out of 10 of where I want to be fitness-wise, so I was dead happy.”

Overcoming Past Challenges

Richards’ triumphant return to the Brazilian race came after a harrowing experience the previous year, where she suffered a concussion, just three months before the Paris Olympic Games. Racing on a course that had once sidelined her was daunting. “It’s quite scary racing a course which knocked you out for so long,” she admitted. During practice, she felt uncertain and timid, recalling how the memory of her crash impacted her confidence. But once the race commenced, she transformed into a fearless competitor, even if lingering concerns haunted her during the descents.

Facing Mental Health Struggles

After her concussion, Richards experienced significant mental health challenges. For three weeks, she was in denial about her injury. “When you have a broken leg, people can see you’re injured. When it’s in your brain… unless you were really close to me, you couldn’t see it,” she explained. The cognitive toll made it difficult for her to process her emotions, leaving her devoid of feelings about the Olympics.

The Road to Recovery

With the Olympic Games looming, an intensive training program was devised for her recovery. She set up a static bike in her shed, riding with her eyes closed before retreating back to bed, exhausted. “I hadn’t left the house for six weeks,” she shared, explaining how she dedicated herself to improving her fitness to prepare for the racing season. “I basically killed myself on the bike for six weeks to try and get that fitness up. It was probably the quickest I’ve ever got fit and I didn’t even think it was possible.”

Challenges of Returning to Competition

Richards faced numerous hurdles resuming her career in World Cup racing. “Just eating dinner with my teammates felt hard. There were so many stimuli that I hadn’t had for so long,” she mentioned. The overwhelming nature of racing after her break led to self-doubt. “After the first race I was crying. You want to be in fit shape to be podium potential, but it’s hard when you’re at the back of the pack where normally you’re near the front.” Despite the feelings of disappointment, she acknowledged that this experience would ultimately contribute to her growth as an athlete.

A Positive Experience at the Olympics

Richards’ hard work paid off during the Olympic Games in Paris, where she finished fifth in the cross-country race. She described the event as “perfect,” expressing gratitude for making it to the start line and having her family there to support her. “To have all my family there, and mentally to be smiling and happy, it was the most special experience ever.”

Unfinished Business with the Olympics

Looking toward future events, Richards is focused on improving her Olympic performance. While she acknowledges the accomplishments of her past, she is clear about her ambitions. “I have unfinished business with the Games,” she shared, reflecting on her experiences in Tokyo. She felt the pressure greatly during that competition, which hindered her performance.

Building Mental Resilience

Her time off after the Games allowed Richards to visit Cornwall with her family, although it impacted her fitness before the World Championships in Val di Sole. Nonetheless, her mental strength was bolstered, leading to her first victory in securing the mountain bike rainbow jersey. She realized how crucial mental fortitude is in contrast to the emotional struggle she faced in Tokyo.

Cultivating a Supportive Community

In preparation for the Paris Games, Richards collaborated with her psychologist and joined a “girls group” consisting of accomplished female athletes from British cycling. This supportive coalition aimed to uplift one another and show younger athletes the power of camaraderie. “All of us wanted to be showing our younger selves, look what we’ve achieved and look how happy we are here,” she noted.

A Shift in Perspective on Well-Being

Richards’ defining moments extended beyond physical performance. Earlier in her career, she battled self-inflicted pressures, concentrating on weight management to the detriment of her health. This led to Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (Red-S), which caused chronic energy depletion and menstrual cycle irregularities. Reflecting on this phase, she admitted, “I almost saw it as an achievement… my training wasn’t affected, but my racing suffered.”

Emphasizing Health and Balance

Her journey towards recovery was catalyzed by a knee injury that prompted her to seek guidance from professionals like her psychologist and a nutritionist. These changes significantly transformed her relationship with both food and training. “I wouldn’t want anyone to dislocate their knee! But for me, it was a really good thing to happen at that time of my career,” she expressed, recognizing the positive impact of addressing her physical and mental health.

The Evolution of the Sport

Richards notes a broader change in the sport, wherein the focus has shifted towards being strong and healthy rather than maintaining a low weight. She observes that knowledge around conditions like Red-S has improved, helping athletes navigate their health better. “I think we’re in a much better space of knowledge now in the sport,” she proclaimed, highlighting the importance of holistic health in athletics.

Conclusion: Growing and Learning

With her experience, Richards has developed a new perspective on her career and personal life. “I’ve just found that balance now,” she reflects. While the desire to win remains strong, she now recognizes the unpredictability of racing and the importance of prioritizing her well-being. Each year, Richards continues to grow and learn, embodying the spirit of resilience and commitment in the face of adversity.