At just 18-years-old, Nicole Duncan has already earned back-to-back cycling world titles and shown remarkable resilience and focus, proving that she’s one to watch in the coming years.

Named Emerging Athlete of the Month for October following her successful campaign at the 2024 UCI Junior Track World Championships, Duncan ably defended her women’s scratch race title, while also claiming silver in the women’s ominium.

When asked how she felt about being named Emerging Athlete of the Month, Duncan couldn’t hide her excitement.

“This is such an incredible honour and I’m grateful to everyone that has helped me, proud of what I’ve achieved, and motivated to keep pushing myself further,” Duncan said.

“Recognition like this validates all the hard work and sacrifices that go into training and racing, and I am truly excited for what the future holds.”

When reflecting on her career to date, she highlights that particular triumph at the 2024 UCI Junior Track World Championships as a career-defining moment. Defending her scratch race gold medal for the second year in a row was no easy feat.

“It was a mixture of emotions—pride, relief, and immense joy,” she explained. “The pressure to perform after winning the title last year was definitely there, but it also pushed me to stay focused and give it my all. To cross the line and know that all the hard work, training, and sacrifices had paid off was unforgettable.”

With a long career ahead of her, she has set her sights on both personal and professional goals.

“Apart from track cycling, I race on the road, and I am really keen on doing some gravel racing next year too,” she shared. “With NSWIS shutting down their track program, I really need to reassess where I am going with my cycling, as the track was a major part of my success.”

Still, she remains optimistic about the future, with aspirations to compete at both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Duncan attributes much of her success to the unwavering support she’s received from her family, coaches, and teammates. “I want to thank my family, coaches, NSWIS, Team Bridgelane, and sponsors who have all helped me along the way,” she said. “They’ve enabled me to push myself to new levels and constantly challenge me to improve.”

A ‘extra special thank-you’ goes to her parents, who have always been there for her, offering encouragement through both her victories and setbacks, with ‘unwavering support’ that has helped to keep her grounded.

“They’ve (her support system) been with me through my ups and downs, offering wisdom and perspective that’s been invaluable.”

In addition to her cycling goals, Duncan is also considering a career in the health sector, balancing her cycling ambitions with personal growth, as she eyes the opportunities which lie ahead.

As she continues to balance the demands of cycling and finishing her final year of school, she’s focused on making the most of every opportunity, with her dedication to her sport and her drive to succeed marking the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable journey.

The Commonwealth Games serves as a platform for developing the future stars of Australian sport and the Emerging Athlete of the Year forms part of a refreshed Awards and Honours program developed by the CGA Heritage and Awards Committee.

The CGA Emerging Athlete of the Year Award celebrates the next generation of Australian sport stars and those that may make an impact for Australia at major sport events in the future.

Over the course of 2024, an athlete will be recognised each month as the Emerging Athlete of the Month and will receive a $500 contribution towards their training and competition expenses.

Three finalists from the monthly winners will then split a $7000 cash prize, with the winner receiving $5000 and the two runners-up $1000 respectively.