New Zealand mountain biker Sammie Maxwell secured her spot in the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris following a successful appeal against her exclusion. The tribunal overseeing the appeal found that selectors had based their decision on inaccurate medical information regarding Maxwell’s history with an eating disorder.
Initially denied participation by Cycling New Zealand’s (CNZ) nominations panel, despite having earned a quota spot, Maxwell, 22, faced allegations that she had not proven she was free from mental or physical impairment due to her long-standing battle with an eating disorder that began at the age of 15.
In response, Maxwell appealed the decision, leading to the New Zealand Sports Tribunal’s intervention. The tribunal criticized CNZ for relying on outdated medical assessments, particularly a memorandum submitted by Ryan Hollows, CNZ’s high performance director, which it deemed as biased and misleading.
“The notion that an athlete automatically faces impairment due to an eating disorder sets a troubling precedent,” remarked the tribunal in its findings, warning that such assumptions could be more harmful than beneficial.
Following the tribunal’s ruling in her favor, Maxwell expressed gratitude for the support she received during the process. “I appreciate that everyone involved shares a commitment to prioritizing my health and well-being,” she stated. “Though we may not always see eye to eye on how that should be achieved, I am thankful for the care and concern shown by those around me.”
Maxwell’s successful appeal not only secures her participation in the Olympics but also highlights the importance of fair and informed decision-making in sports governance.