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New Zealand mountain biker Sam Gaze is in the picturesque medieval Spanish city of Girona preparing for the resumption of the European season, something that perhaps a year ago did not seem possible.
Sam gaze
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
It wasn’t because of the coronavirus pandemic, but rather that the 24-year-old was dealing with his mental health.
Gaze’s career was put on hold following an accident at an event in South Africa in April 2019 and it wasn’t long after his mental health issues surfaced.
“I suffered a pretty bad head injury on the first leg of Cape Epic and there were a lot of things over the past year that added to that, including my disappointment at the Commonwealth Games and a few other things.”
Gaze was fined for unsportsmanlike behavior towards his teammate Anton Cooper during the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
“I felt like I was not true to myself and cracks appeared and after the accident the floodgates opened and I ended up having a bit of a hard time last year, freaking out and trying to get back to being the happy and pleasant athlete that I usually do.” A.M”
Gaze was officially diagnosed with depression and says he has spent the past 18 months picking up the pieces.
Sam Gaze competing in South Africa
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
“When you are like this and in that situation, it stops being about the sport and the results sheet and more about your health.”
“There was a lot of work that had to be done internally for me to reestablish my values in sport and be true to them, but yeah, now I feel like I’m in a good place.”
“It has been a critical journey to get to where I am now.”
He credits his new Belgian team Alpecin-Fenix and owner Philip Roodhooft with playing an important role on his road to recovery.
“Now I look back and I am very grateful for everyone’s help, obviously the results sheet has not been what it could have been in the last 18 months, but as an athlete and as a person we have grown a lot.
“I’m sure it will help me through the longevity of my career rather than just an outstanding result here and there.”
Gaze was locked up in New Zealand, but returned to Europe in late June to get his cycling back on track.
Sam Gaze Commonwealth Games Champion
Photo: PhotoSport
Now he has the World Championship in Austria next month to look forward to.
However, Gaze has not set any career goals at this stage.
“No, it’s still early, obviously with the crown madness and everything that has happened with the postponement of the Olympics has changed, so for now I’m just getting stronger and aiming to be the best possible version of an athlete that I can. for next season and the Olympics if they continue. “
“For these upcoming events I don’t have any outcome-based goals, it’s based more on feelings.”
“I want to race bikes for the right reason, there should be no difference between the feeling you get when you’re eight years old racing the bike at home and the biggest bike race in the world.”
Where to get help:
I need to talk? Call or text 1737 toll free anytime to speak with a trained counselor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865/0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide or for those who are worried about their family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800111757 (24/7) or text message 4202
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or send a free text message to 234 (8 a.m. to 12 a.m.), or send an email to [email protected] .nz
If it is an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
