Kristina Clonan's Comeback: Glasgow 2026

0:00It's March 29th. From your city to your ears, this is Sydney News Today, powered by AI. Australian track cyclist Christina Clonan is back stronger after a rough nine-month battle with a back injury that sidelined her completely. The 27-year-old Queenslander, who shocked everyone by grabbing gold in the 500-meter time trial at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, is now laser-focused on earning a spot in Australia's team sprint for the 2026 Games in Glasgow. That injury was no joke fluid build-up in her bone, something more common in cricket bowlers than cyclists, forcing her to miss key events like the world championships. But time healed it, and during the layoff, she switched up her mindset, drawing from her roots in endurance racing before dominating sprints. Clonan's been real about the mental toll, hitting Rot-Bottom and questioning her future on the bike. Yes, she channeled that into positivity by, launching a scholarship with AlphaVTOW to support young athletes facing funding shortages.

1:00It went to 18-year-old road racer, Emily Sanders, who s already tearing up domestic races and heading to Europe. Lately, she s dipped her toes into bobslay, hanging with Aussie Olympians, Bre Walker and Chiara Ridingguis, picking up tips on training, and leadership that could shape her next cycle. At Nationals, her Queensland team snagged silver in team sprint, and she pushed hard to fourth in Kirin, testing new positions like third rider for the first time. With that fire reignited, Clonan s training like a beast for Glasgow, aiming to build on her world championship medals and help Australia challenge. The powerhouse English squad, proving once again, she s got that unbreakable drive.