Hyslop wants Olympic dream to inspire Zimbabwe’s next cycling generation
AFRICAN mountain bike champion Stacey Hyslop says her quest to qualify for the 2028 Olympic Games is about far more than personal success, as she looks to inspire a new generation of Zimbabwean cyclists through an ambitious international campaign.
The Zimbabwean rider has launched a R530,000 (approximately US$32,000) fundraising drive to support a two year programme that combines elite competition with youth development initiatives back home.
Already one of Africa’s leading cross country riders, Hyslop hopes regular competition against the world’s best will secure the UCI ranking points needed to earn a place at the Los Angeles Olympics after previously featuring in the qualification race for Paris 2024.
“My goal is to represent Zimbabwe at the highest level and inspire the next generation,” she said.
The campaign will see Hyslop compete in UCI World Cups, the World Championships, African Continental Championships, South African Cup Series, Namibia Cup races and Zimbabwe’s National Championships.
Beyond chasing results, she hopes the experience gained overseas will benefit the sport in Zimbabwe.
“I wear many hats beyond being an athlete. I am a coach, a mentor, a biokineticist and a community advocate,” she said.
“I want to give back through youth cycling clinics in Zimbabwe in October.”
The European leg of the campaign represents the biggest financial commitment, covering international travel, accommodation, coaching, equipment and race entries needed to compete consistently on the world stage.
“Competing in Europe is essential to gain UCI points and experience against the best in the world. The goal is to race World Cups and the World Championships to put Zimbabwe on the map,” Hyslop said.
The African champion has already enjoyed an outstanding 2026 season, capturing both the Elite Women’s XCO and XCC titles at the African Continental Championships and adding podium finishes in South Africa.
To finance the campaign, Hyslop is inviting businesses to partner with her through a tiered sponsorship programme that offers branding opportunities and community engagement activities.
If successful, the campaign will not only strengthen Zimbabwe’s Olympic hopes but also help create pathways for aspiring young cyclists to follow in the footsteps of one of the country’s most accomplished mountain bikers.
