Ruth Whelan’s Southland Hospital colleagues are super proud of her latest achievements in becoming a world champion track cyclist.
She recently competed in the recent UIC Masters World Track Championships in Manchester and came home with three medals and a personal best time.
Her achievements included: a silver medal in the individual sprint (44-49 age group), a bronze medal in the team sprint with co-riders Penny Pawson and Julie Graddon and a gold medal in the 500m time trial (45-49 age group), where she set a new national record of 37.064.
She was the existing national record holder for that event and the time used to be 37.549, which she set in 2022.
An occupational therapist, she joined Te Whatu Ora Southern in 2017.
Her first attempt at track cycling came in 2016 when she was part of the hospital’s Vaporizers team competing in Cycling Southland’s Corporate Pursuit event where Southland businesses entered teams to race against each other.
“I remember being quite nervous when I first sat on a bike and rode the track during the Corporate Pursuit but at the same time thought I would enjoy it more once I was better at it.”
She describes her cycling career between 2016 to the 2023 Masters as a slow growth that started locally by competing in track events before progressing to nationals.
Preparation for the world masters was a year in the making and included track sessions twice a week, gym twice a week and off-track riding as well.
Ruth’s specialty is the 500m time trial and her strength is her ability to sprint.
“In the last half a lap of the time trial (at Manchester) I thought my legs were going to fall off, but it meant I also knew that I was putting everything into the race.”
The Masters were live-streamed, and she was touched by all the messages that came flooding in and she took to the podium.
Southland Hospital Occupational Therapist Ruth Whelan with her gold, silver and bronze track cycling medals she won in Manchester, UK.
“I’d like to give a shout out to my husband Andy for all of his support and all of my colleagues who have been so supportive, and to all the coaches and volunteers at the velodrome that make it all possible.”
Her colleagues decorated her workspace with pictures of her competing and a huge group of them met her at Invercargill Airport to welcome her home.
Te Whatu Ora Southern Chief Allied Health Scientific and Technical Officer Kaye Cheetham congratulated Ruth on her outstanding success.
“It’s clear to see Ruth gives 100 per cent to everything she is involved in. She is a skilled Occupational Therapist and now a world champion track cyclist. On behalf of the entire AHS&T workforce – congratulations.”
Right now, Ruth is taking a well-earned rest from cycling but has committed to the upcoming Southland Track Championships and nationals.
There is nothing beyond that on her calendar but do not be surprised if she hits the headlines again.
While she set a new national record, she’s not quite ready to leave it there.
“I’d love to get a 36sec time.”
The Masters were held at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester between September 30 to October 7.
