If the stars align, kiwi sprint cyclist Rebecca Petch will have a special new fan supporting her at the Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Rebecca Petch
Petch and husband Jarrod Browning, who were married two and a half years ago, are expecting their first child later this year.
The Olympic silver medallist in the Team Sprint is planning a return to the track with her sights ultimately fixed on the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
It would make three Olympic Games for Petch, the multi-national champion in BMX qualified for the semifinals in that discipline at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021.
She was then approached to try track cycling, and has greatly enjoyed the challenge, forming a potent combination with teammates and friends Ellesse Andrews, Olivia King and Shaane Fulton.
Women’s Team Sprint – New Zealand: Rebecca Petch, Shaane Fulton, Ellesse Andrews on the podium receiving the Olympic Silver Medal. Photo: Alex Whitehead, SWpix.com
With her background in the explosive sport of BMX, Petch has developed into a world-class starter, with New Zealand team sprint team developing significantly after finishing third fastest at their Nations Cup event early in 2024. They produced stunning form at the Paris Olympic Games, breaking the world record in qualifying and ultimately won the silver medal.
“It is hard with sport because you put so much into it that you sacrifice other things in your life. Having a family is something that me and Jarrod talked about. We wanted to start a family but equally I do not want to give up sport,” said Petch.
In this respect Petch gained inspiration from two other Cambridge-based Olympians.
Rebecca Petch of Te Awamutu at the Tokyo Olympics
“Having a baby is exciting and scary as I don’t know how it will go, and just how things will work out going back to cycling. But I draw a lot of inspiration from Lucy (Spoors) and Brooke (Francis) being so successful in rowing after childbirth. I knew I wanted to do that as well.”
Both Spoors and Francis had children, returning to rowing as busy mothers, and going on to win the gold medal in the double sculls at the Paris Olympic Games.
Petch and Browning are used to busy lives, starting their own business, Elite Spouting Services and investing significantly in the latest continuous guttering system machinery.
Previously Petch had run her own coffee cart operation, on top of the business and cycling duties. The “Little Petchy” coffee cart was a well-known and popular operation in Cambridge.
Coffee time: Sherwood Forestry arborist Joseph Sturdy stops off for a coffee from Rebecca Petch, centre, and fellow Kiwi and Te Awamutu team BMXer Baylee Luttrell.
“I loved BMX and I did a lot of thinking before I decided to commit to track cycling. It was a big decision, but I have enjoyed it ever since. Now I know we have unfinished business all the way to Los Angeles.”
Petch is continuing to train and is tailoring her schedule during pregnancy. She has the full support from her teammates, coach Jon Andrews and Cycling New Zealand, especially around her desire to return to the sport after the birth of her child.
“My pregnancy is good timing this year as we only had one Nations Cup and the world championships is late in the year where I won’t be competing.
“Right now I am adapting my training as I need to, maintaining as much strength as I can but limiting any risk factors.
“Jarrod and I are excited for the future with our first child, the growth of our business and my cycling. It is going to be busy but exciting. We have our parents who are very excited and no doubt will be called on down the road.”
Rebecca Petch celebrated winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Photo: Ed Sykes, SWPix.
