From the Olympic velodrome to an America’s Cup boat, Simon van Velthooven’s sporting career is as unique as it is successful.

Simon was a major part of the revolution of sailing which saw New Zealand regain the America’s Cup in Bermuda in 2017. As the team switched from traditional grinders, Simon was one of the “cyclors’ on board driving the boat through pedal power for the first time in the events’ history. He was instrumental in developing the method, and training his sailing team-mates to become cyclists.
 

His sailing prowess followed an outstanding cycling career. The undoubted highlight was winning the Olympic bronze medal in the demanding sprint event, the Keirin, in London 2012. Simon became New Zealand’s first ever sprint cycling medallist and the 99th medallist overall. He is also won silver at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and bronze in Delhi, 2010 and has twice been on the podium at UCI world cycling championships. 

With the 2021 America’s Cup defence on home waters and a revert back to traditional grinding, Simon reinvented himself once again. With his entire sporting career based on explosive leg strength, he re-trained to make his arms and upper body the source of his muscle power, earning selection on Team New Zealand’s grinding team and winning a second America’s Cup title with Team New Zealand.