Annette Edmondson is one of Australia’s brightest cycling stars.
At only 23 years of age, ‘Nettie’ is already a two-time Track World Champion, Olympic silver medallist and Commonwealth Games gold medallist. She also races on the road for WiggleHonda professional women’s cycling team. And did we mention Nettie is a huge Crows fan?!
We caught up with the Club Ambassador at the start of her European road season …
How and why did you start barracking the Crows?
My family lived overseas for a few years, but when we moved back to Australia when I was six-years-old, there was only one option for a football team in my family, and that was the Crows.
I remember sitting in our house in Victor Harbor watching the 1998 premiership on TV with my cousins, and hanging Crows flags and scarves out our car windows for the rest of the week!
How often do you watch the Crows play?
As often as possible! If I'm in Adelaide whilst the team is playing, you'll find me at Adelaide Oval, otherwise I try and livestream from abroad.
Where’s the quirkiest place you’ve watched a Crows game from?
I live streamed a final from a cafe on the 'Costa Brava' in Spain, mid-ride in 2012!
Who is your favourite player?
I think Eddie Betts. For someone so small, he is a giant on the field. It doesn't matter who he's up against, he'll get that ball and nine times out of 10, get it through those goals.
Do you own any Crows memorabilia or merchandise?
Of course! I'm lucky to have a guernsey and just recently bought myself a 'gangsta' blue snapback. I love it!
We hear you met Richard Douglas in an unusual set-up last year?
Yes, I was lucky enough to meet Richie Douglas, and it just happened to be in a 1920's style photoshoot for The Advertiser in December last year. He was draped in leather from head to toe, and I was in a pink, frilly corset alongside a handful of other athletes. Although it was fun, I really think we should stop playing dress ups and stick to our day jobs!
Last month, you competed at the International Track Series Adelaide. What’s next on your busy calendar?
I arrived in Europe a few weeks ago and will spend three-and-a-half months training and racing here with my Australian track team and Wiggle-Honda road team. The major races include ‘La Course’, which is the same final race as the Tour De France on the Champs Élysées, and, hopefully, also the Road World Championships in America in September.
The Rio Olympics Games are just 12 months away. How are your preparations going?
So far, so good! Everything is on track at the moment, so fingers crossed it all keeps travelling smoothly and heading in the right direction.
Your younger brother, Alex, is also involved with cycling at the elite level. What’s it like having your sibling on the road with you?
It’s really lovely. It's not often that you get to share the highs and lows of elite sport with a family member, who's right there with you. It means so much to have that contact, especially, whilst training and competing overseas.
How do you think the Crows will go in the second half of the season?
Good! They team had a great start, and then a few learning curves. When we've won, we've still had elements to improve on, which means there’s more potential to grow. I'm positive that if we can tighten up a bit, we'll definitely be in for a big shot at the finals.
Nettie Edmondson with fellow Crows Ambassador and Australian sports star Matt Cowdrey OAM at Adelaide Oval
