ABOUT ZACK

In 2018, I had a choice to make: Continue on a path where most people don’t return from, or do I reflect and redirect my focus to redefine my aspirations and chart a new course for my life. It was during this period of introspection I sought to merge my personal journey with mental health, becoming a professional athlete, and my quest for a profound sense a purpose beyond myself. Ultimately, I discovered those things through mountain biking.

I’m Zack Wilson, my story begins in Subiaco, Perth. I grew up in Cairns for 15 years before residing in Brisbane in 2013. I dabbled in a variety of sports, ranging from traditional ball sports to motorsports, as well as endurance disciplines. During this time I suffered an abundance of injuries, almost enduring a life altering one from my motorcycle. Despite achieving success at both local to international levels, my athletic feats were overshadowed by my tumultuous past. I endured severe abuse within my household and faced relentless bullying, including cyber harassment with threats of horrific violence.

Over a decade ago, my mother and I moved to Brisbane with the hopes of a fresh start. However, it wasn’t long into this hopeful new chapter that it unravelled into a living hell. I found myself ambushed in a web of malicious lies concocted by my mother’s ex-partner that led to a relentless cycle of bullying that persisted throughout my high schooling years. I became a victim of transgressions by the same person. Because of these events I plunged into substance abuse, depression and self-destructive tendencies. Despite graduating and overcoming substance abuse I continued to battle with mental health issues which continued to plague me after graduation.

In 2016 and 2017 I witnessed two traumatic events that continue to haunt me in the form of nightmares. In April 2018 I acted upon my self-destructive thoughts in my car travelling at triple the speed limit which led to my admission to a mental ward facility the following day, where I was officially diagnosed with PTSD. During my time there it was a place I knew I needed to be, and truthfully, one of the best life experiences because it forced a deep re-evaluation my life. 

I began to reminisce on my past achievements in endurance sports. I made the decision to reignite my aspirations. For the next few years, I did attempt triathlon and cycling but I was still left chasing the one thing I have always coveted for: an identity; a sense of purpose. 

Then, in February of 2023 my cycling coach at the time introduced me to cross-country mountain biking due to having excellent short-term power and the style of racing I thrive on. This came as huge surprise because I previously swore to myself, I would never ride or race anything off-road again following my motorcycle accident. It was during this time that I was introduced to Dylan at Ride Technics. My first session with him on the 17th of Feb, he was someone I instantly clicked with and here I am in October 2024, in a position I never could have possibly imagined. 

In my first year, it went better than I could have possibly imagined achieving multiple podium finishes. The skills I learned from Dylan and an abundance of hours out on the trails by myself I became obsessed with the art of getting better, working on the foundational skills developing good habits. Due to the progression, I was offered a position to be a coach for Ride Technics. I started off as an assistant coach in late 2023 quickly progressing to leading groups in early 2024, continuing to develop and being involved with high level enduro groups, 1:1’s in addition to many other programs. Taking what I have been taught by Dylan and extrapolating them into teaching kids, breaking down certain skills or features, watching them become faster and safer riders while having a tonne of fun in the process has been a truly humbling and rewarding experience. Truthfully, it was something I never saw myself doing but it is the best thing I have ever done with my life, because despite chasing my personal athletic ambitions my main goal is to share my mental health journey and to give back to the next generation of riders, inspiring as many people as possible to ride bikes.

Becoming a mtb racer and a coach has brought incredible happiness to my life. I know I have truly found my purpose, what I was put on this planet to do. Finding my passion has presented opportunities to get excited because it brings unique possibilities of what could be. It has had a huge impact on my mental. It has provided me with so much more than anything ever has, and above all it has given me what I’ve coveted for: an identity, a sense of purpose for something greater than myself. I want to continue to inspire the community with my story and to give back to the next generation. Ultimately, giving them a reason to live, not just today but every-day.