“After an intense 2025 season, and several months spent in Europe far from home and family, Samara Maxwell has decided to take a sabbatical break from competitive sport,” the team announced on social media.
“The New Zealand athlete will dedicate 2026 to a period of rest, recovery and personal reconnection. During this sabbatical pause, she will step away from racing, media activities, social platforms and public engagements. This choice will allow her to restore physical energy, regain mental balance and spend meaningful time with the people and places that matter most to her.”
Maxwell said in the post: “This is the right moment for me to pause, breathe and return to my roots. I want to spend time with my family, recharge and prepare myself for the challenges ahead.”
The Ford Decathlon Racing Team said Maxwell’s long-term vision remains unchanged.
“To return to competition with renewed determination and continue her journey toward representing New Zealand at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.”
The press release said Maxwell’s decision had been supported by her team, personal coach and the medical staff who have accompanied her throughout the season.
“As well as by Cycling New Zealand and High Performance Sport NZ, all of whom recognise this step as essential to safeguarding her wellbeing and long-term athletic longevity.”
Maxwell, who has openly battled with eating disorders since she was a teen, told RNZ last year her mental health was tested when she clinched the mountain bike cross country title in Canada.
She said the pressure she had been under in the weeks leading to the final round meant she didn’t manage her eating disorder well.
“I’m really proud that I’m in a place where I can say I’m struggling and could call my coach and call my psychologist,” Maxwell told RNZ after winning the title.
The world title punctuated how far Maxwell had come since she had to fight for selection to the Paris Olympics in 2024.
Cycling NZ declined to nominate Maxwell for the Olympics for health, rather than performance, reasons.
The national body determined she had failed to show she had no “physical or mental impairment” that would prevent her from performing to the highest possible standard at the Olympics.
The Sports Tribunal upheld Maxwell’s appeal over her non-nomination and took the rare step of nominating her directly to the New Zealand Olympic Committee for selection.
Maxwell went on to finish eighth in Paris, the best finish of her senior career.
– RNZ