Kiwi cyclist steps away from the sport to focus on eating disorder recovery

Rebekah HebentonNZ Woman's Weekly·27 Jun, 2026 02:00 AM4 mins to readLife changes course as champion Sammie Maxwell faces her toughest personal challenge. Photo / Michelle CutelliLife changes course as champion Sammie Maxwell faces her toughest personal challenge. Photo / Michelle CutelliAs the first New Zealander to ever win a cross-country mountain bike world series, Sammie Maxwell should be on top of the world.

But behind the podium finishes and Champagne showers, the 24-year-old was battling against her brain as she fought to manage the eating disorder she has struggled with