The Smiths Are Back: Cycling Couple Returns to Track to Inspire Kids
Lewis and Ciara Oliva, a Welsh track cycling couple, are returning to the sport eight years after their initial retirement. The pair, who are now parents of three young children, are competing at the Commonwealth Games, with their kids set to watch them in action.
The Oliva's decision to return to the sport was inspired by a documentary featuring double Olympic gold medal-winning rower Helen Glover. Ciara Oliva was particularly motivated by Glover's story and decided to pursue her own Commonwealth Games dream. "I was so inspired by her that I just thought, 'Do you know what? Is this possible? Could I have a crack at it?' " Ciara told BBC Sport Wales.
Ciara's husband, Lewis, also decided to join her in her comeback. The couple, who have three young children, Florence, Digby, and Ottilie, have been balancing their training sessions with childcare. "The eldest two are telling their friends at school and nursery all about it," Lewis said. "They might not understand the subtleties yet or where we've come from, but they see enough of us every single day on the watt bike or the turbo at home."
The couple's children have been a big motivating factor for them. "The biggest motivating factor for both of us is to have those three in the stands watching," Lewis explained. Ciara added, "This is everything that we've worked so hard for. To enjoy looking into the stands, to see our three babies looking down at us with their grandparents cheering us on, embracing and taking that in."
The Oliva's youngest child, Ottilie, has already shown a keen interest in cycling. "Ottilie already is 'Bike, bike, bike.' She's just grown up being Mummy and Daddy on bikes," Ciara said. The couple's eldest children, Florence and Digby, have also been following their parents' progress.
Lewis Oliva is part of the first men's sprint team Wales has entered at a Commonwealth Games. The team, which includes Ioan Hepburn, Rory Gravelle, and Jonah Jenkins, will compete in the team sprint event. Lewis is optimistic about their chances, saying, "We are going to have to hope some of our stars align. It's a case of doing it on the day and that's what I love about this sport – anything can happen on the day."
The Commonwealth Games will be a special moment for the Oliva family. With their children watching them compete, they are looking forward to enjoying the experience and taking it in. "This is everything that we've worked so hard for," Ciara said. The couple's comeback is a testament to their dedication and perseverance.
Source: Yahoo Sports