Clyde’s Nicole Shields said chronic fatigue made 2022 “the longest year of her life”.

Nicole, who recently returned home after earning an Olympic silver medal in the women’s pursuit cycling final in Paris, shares the challenges she faced on her road to success in this week's episode of The Outlet podcast.

She said when doctors told her there was nothing left, she knew in her gut what she was comfortable with, and that was never giving up.

“[My flatmate and I] got pretty creative. We did some weird things to try [and] help ourselves . . . we did a three day fast. I think we thought we'd be cured after that. No. 

“We tried everything . . . talking to people, a lot. So many people have been through experiences like this that you don't even know, or they know of someone. We just kept talking to people and it kind of led us down a few roads and it's so hard. It's a wild west out there.”

Nicole said it was hard to pinpoint what helped, but there were a few things, and one was going back to basics.

 “Your body wants to heal, and it's made to get better, and it's definitely not made to be on a couch for 12 hours a day, so just finding your way back to that.”

While at home she’s been mountain biking and skiing, visited local schools, and been involved in the iconic Alexandra Blossom Festival.

Olympians (from left) Ally Wollaston, Nicole Shields, Emily Shearman and Bryony Botha on the podium receiving the Olympic silver medal following the women's pursuit cycling final in Paris. Photo: SW Pix / www.photopsort.nz

“It was my first time in the parade . . . some of the kids in the car riding beside me it was their fourth. Seasoned professionals, so they helped me through it, told me when to smile and wave.”

She left her road bike up north but said she is really starting to miss it.

“It's just been really nice to be active in other ways . . . skiing and doing a few walks and runs, and just doing what I feel like . . . and do it on my terms and change it up a little bit.”

She said spending time in Central has been a way to give back to all the people who helped her and made her who she is.

“I wouldn't be here without this community. So, between [Central] and Southland, it's been really cool.”

It’s not clear just now whether Nicole’s future will involve team pursuit fellow medalists Ally Wollaston, Emily Shearman and Bryony Botha.

“We're all so young and it's so exciting and they're amazing girls and amazing team mates and . . . it's very tempting to say yes and jump in, but it'll be interesting to see them in a couple of weeks and see what their reflections are and where to from here for all of us.”

She said riding her bike has taken her to some amazing places in the world and it is her favourite way to travel.

“[These] last couple years have been pretty full gas, and [I’m] kind of figuring out . . . some ways to do it better my way and different ways to do it. I like riding my bike, so that's all I've got right now.”

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