Simon van Velthooven
Keirin Sprint Cyclist and Motivational Speaker
Simon van Velthooven is a professional track racing cyclist from New Zealand. He is well known worldwide for his incredible long sprints and his tremendous speed on the track. He pairs his cycling talents with a successful sailing career; Simon is an America’s Cup Champion for both the 35th and 36th America’s Cups.
Simon made his Olympic debut back in 2012 at the London Olympics. In the Keirin sprint event he managed to clinch the bronze medal – New Zealand’s first ever Sprint Cycling Medal in their history.
Simon is a prolific motivational speaker who carries a unique bank of anecdotes; between his two sporting careers, the trials and tribulations of training, success and failure lend him the unique perspective to discuss the nature of accomplishment and achievement. As a current athlete, his insights are as invaluable as they are relevant. His unique upbringing in Manawatu also lends him a rich outlook on life, and a strong work ethic that he abides by in all facets of life.