Tokyo Olympics 2021: Holly Edmondston's perseverance rewarded with cycling selection

One of New Zealand's top track cyclists has revealed the battle she's faced to get back on the bike for a spot at the Tokyo Olympics.

Holly Edmondston was named in the team pursuit squad for next year's Games, capping a remarkable return to the sport, after a year plagued by injury and illness. 

Her ride toward Tokyo has been anything but smooth.

"I've had this endometriosis thing that I've been dealing with," she tells Newshub. "It's very common in athletes and women in general - it's a gift that keeps on giving, we call it." 

 But selection as part of a six-strong endurance squad for next year's Olympics is maybe the sweetest gift of all and caps off a remarkable comeback for Edmondston. 

She's battled chronic back injuries for two years - the pain was so severe, she nearly gave up the sport altogether.

But the 23-year-old fought back and medalled at both the Cambridge and Brisbane World Cups last summer, and Edmondston seemed destined to turn World Cup form into an Olympic medal.

But her health soon deteriorated.

"I had a surgery after the World Cups, where we were so successful, and ever since then, I've been trying to get my building blocks back up."

Helping her every step of the way are her teammates, some of whom have battled the condition themselves.

They've helped her on the bike, and have supported her off it. 

"They're so open about it too," says Edmondston. "They've got their blogs that have helped so many others understand themselves going through endo."

But the pain and setbacks will be worth it to stand with the New Zealand Olympic team .

"Today was a very laminated day for me,” she says. "I can just say I'm going to the Olympics."

And with Edmondston's resilience, she's a good bet to be on the podium there too.