New Zealand sprint cyclist Sam Dakin has his focus firmly fixed on a final season of high performance racing, culminating at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Dakin has competed at two Olympic Games, three elite World Championships, and won a medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games medal along with multiple national titles.
The 29-year-old plans to step away from high performance cycling this year, hopefully following selection and a final campaign towards further success at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
“This decision comes with clarity and excitement,” said Dakin.
“I have spent 15 years chasing dreams, travelling the world sharing start lines with some of the most exceptional people. I am putting everything into this campaign for selection to Glasgow 2026, which will be the right moment to close this chapter.”
Dakin said he is at peace with his decision and the clarity around it.
“Often athletes do not get to reach this point on their own terms. I want to do - and that means a lot.
“There’s still one season to go. I’m completely focused on finishing it in the best possible way. I will be doing everything I can to earn the honour of wearing the Silver Fern one final time which I will do with complete and utter joy.”
A long-standing member of New Zealand’s sprint programme, Dakin says his career has always been driven by an internal standard.
“For me, sport was about waking up every day with the complete and utter desire to be better than I was yesterday.
“That is not something we do forever. I’m coming to that point. I want to close out my career in the best form of my life, with the fire still burning.”
Dakin says if he is able to do that and earn selection to Glasgow, he will carry no regrets.
“I am proud of everything I’ve achieved. I have no ifs, buts, or maybes. I’ve defined my career on hard work, performing when it mattered most, and nurturing the relationships that made it all possible.”
Beyond results, he says his greatest satisfaction comes from the impact left behind.
“When I first entered this programme, I promised myself I would leave it better than I found it. With the help of many exceptional people, I believe I’ve achieved that.”
Dakin begins his campaign with upcoming UCI World Cups and other international competition with the clear goal of finishing in the Silver Fern at the Commonwealth Games.
Looking beyond Glasgow, Dakin says he is energised by what comes next.
“I’m excited for the chapter after the Commonwealth Games, which will see me move further into the working world. Exactly what that looks like will figure itself out in due course. Alongside this final season, I’ll continue growing my company, Slow Coffee Roasters, and preparing for what comes next.”
Dakin says more detailed reflections and acknowledgements will follow at the conclusion of his career.
“For now, I simply want to say thank you — to my family, friends, partner, teammates, coaches, staff, and everyone who has supported this journey. You’ve allowed five-year-old me to keep chasing the dream.”
