Athlete Spotlight: Georgie Howe’s Journey From Rowing to Professional Cycling
Georgie Howe’s transition from the world of rowing to professional cycling has been a remarkable journey filled with determination and self-discovery. The Australian athlete’s path to the cycling peloton was a swift one, propelled by her history as a top-level rower with dreams of Olympic glory. Howe’s story is a testament to her unwavering pursuit of her athletic dreams and the transformative power of chasing new passions.
Starting as a rower, Howe’s love for the sport was sparked by a presentation from Australia’s ‘Oarsome Foursome’, igniting a desire to follow in their footsteps and compete at the Olympic Games. Describing her Olympic dream, Howe reflects on the singular focus that drove her passion for rowing, stating, “I had full blinders on going to the games and everything I was doing was either a detriment to that or helping me to get there.”
After a successful rowing career that took her to the United States and back to Australia in pursuit of Olympic qualification, Howe faced a turning point when she missed selection for the Tokyo Games. This setback led her to reevaluate her path and ultimately led to her decision to leave rowing behind. Embracing new opportunities, including working with Ernst and Young and taking up boxing, Howe discovered a newfound passion for cycling during the lockdowns of the pandemic.
A chance encounter with coach Nick Owen set Howe on a new trajectory in professional cycling, leading her to join Liv AlUla Jayco and eventually sign a contract with GreenEDGE. Reflecting on her journey, Howe acknowledges the impact of her coach not only on her cycling career but also on her mental well-being, stating, “He has completely changed everything for me.”
As Howe continues to push her limits in the world of professional cycling, she draws on her experiences in rowing and the lessons learned during her transition to this new phase of her life. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and showcases the resilience and adaptability required to chase one’s dreams across different disciplines. Georgie Howe’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the thrill of embracing new challenges on the road to success.
