The twenty-two-year-old spent much of the last year competing and training in Europe, a period characterized by intense physical exertion, travel, and time away from home. Following the end of the season, Maxwell decided to temporarily retire from elite competition to prioritize her long-term well-being. Surely the period he spent in 2023 made him understand many things.
Source: press release
In 2026, Maxwell will focus on rest, recovery and personal reconnection , taking a break not only from competing, but also from media commitments, social media, and public appearances. The break will allow her to regenerate physically, recharge mentally, and spend quality time with the family and communities that shaped her.
Sammie Maxwell said : "This is the perfect time to take a break, breathe, and reconnect with my roots. I want to spend time with my family, recharge, and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead."
Despite suspending his racing schedule next year, Maxwell's focus continues to be on returning to competition with renewed energy as he works towards his ultimate goal of representing New Zealand at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games .
We wish Sammie a year of recovery and look forward to welcoming her back to the starting line when the time is right!
