Emma Finucane, the 21-year-old sprint cyclist, has had a year like no other. She won three Olympic medals, including a gold, and claimed two world champion titles, all while grappling with personal and professional challenges. Through it all, Finucane’s honesty and self-reflection have stood out, as she openly discusses the physical and emotional tolls of her sport, the impact of her relationship with fellow cyclist Matthew Richardson, and her aspirations for the future.
Reflecting on her Olympic journey, Finucane speaks about how pushing herself to her physical and mental limits taught her invaluable lessons. She describes how racing, particularly in events like the individual sprint, involves both intense physical effort and acute mental focus. “The physical side is the easy bit. I reckon it’s 80% mental,” she explains. “You can be in the best shape of your life and still crumble because of your head.” Her struggles with nerves were particularly challenging in Paris, where she admitted to crying before each race as a way to release her emotions. This emotional release was constant, exacerbated by the intensity of racing in three events. However, Finucane recognizes the importance of understanding and managing her emotions to perform at her best. “I need to learn why did I feel like that? Why did I need to let that emotion out?” she reflects, hinting at a more introspective approach to her career moving forward.
In addition to her physical and mental preparation, Finucane’s success is rooted in the support system around her, including her coaches, teammates, and sports psychologist. Her bond with Katy Marchant, a seasoned cyclist who has competed in three Olympics, has been particularly influential in helping Finucane manage her nerves. Marchant, who shares her experience of racing at the highest level, has offered guidance on how to control anxiety and harness the pressure of competition.
The Paris Olympics saw Finucane’s remarkable achievements, with a gold medal in the team sprint alongside Marchant and Sophie Capewell, as well as two bronze medals in the keirin and individual sprint. These victories marked a significant milestone in British track cycling, as the team sprint gold was the first of its kind for Great Britain. Finucane expressed immense pride in the accomplishment, noting how the team had transformed from being seen as the “weak link” in the program to Olympic champions. Despite the pressure of high expectations, including a prediction from Laura Kenny that she would win three golds, Finucane remained focused on her personal growth. “Success was just becoming an Olympian,” she says, reflecting on her bronze medals as a testament to her journey.
Behind the scenes, Finucane was also navigating a complex personal situation. She and her boyfriend, Matthew Richardson, had kept his decision to switch from the Australian to the British cycling team a secret in the lead-up to the Games. Richardson, who had represented Australia at the Olympics and won three sprint medals, had long harbored a dream of riding for his birth country, Britain. The couple kept the secret for months, not even telling their families, as the decision could jeopardize Richardson’s Olympic participation. Finucane recalls how they managed this delicate situation, supporting each other through the stress and pressure of keeping the information under wraps.
Since moving to Manchester together, Richardson has adjusted to life in Britain, both personally and professionally. Finucane describes him as a “breath of fresh air” and highlights how their shared passion for cycling has strengthened their relationship. The couple trains together regularly, and Finucane appreciates his motivating presence on and off the track. Despite facing some backlash on social media for his defection, Richardson has embraced his new role within British Cycling, with Finucane expressing admiration for his work ethic.
The couple recently competed in the UCI Champions League, where Finucane won the sprint and placed second in the keirin, while Richardson claimed victory in both of his events. Finucane was particularly proud of his performance, recognizing the pressure he faced in his first competition as a British rider. The Champions League circuit also brought challenges, as both riders lost their respective leader jerseys at the event in Apeldoorn, but they remain optimistic with more opportunities to perform in the final rounds in London.
Looking ahead, Finucane is focused on continued growth. She has set her sights on the 2028 LA Olympics, where she hopes to refine her mental and physical preparation and build on the lessons learned from her first Olympic experience. Her ambition is clear: she wants to be in control of her career, taking ownership of her future much like her teammate Katie Archibald, a role model who has overcome significant challenges in her own career. Finucane’s ultimate goal is to do even better in the future, constantly striving for improvement and success at the highest level.
