The South Australian Sports Institute (SASI) is proud to celebrate the outstanding career of track cyclist Bree Hargrave, who has announced her retirement from elite sport following a journey defined by persistence, resilience and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Hargrave’s path to the international stage was anything but conventional. Beginning her sporting career in athletics, she made the bold transition to track cycling at the age of 28 through a talent transfer program. What followed was a story of determination and belief, as she carved out a place among Australia’s best and proudly represented her country on seven occasions.
A defining chapter of her career came in 2022, when Hargrave was selected to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham at the age of 39. Competing against the world’s elite, she delivered a memorable performance, finishing fourth in the Team Sprint and seventh in the 500m Time Trial. Leading into the Games, she also impressed at her first UCI Track Nations Cup in Glasgow, securing top-10 finishes across all events.
Her career is decorated with an array of achievements across both track and road cycling. Hargrave is a two-time bronze medallist from the 2014 Commonwealth Games (Tandem), a five-time national champion and 20-time national medallist, and a nine-time Oceania medallist. She also claimed two bronze medals on the International Track Series circuit, finished second at the Japan Cup Road Race, and etched her name into South Australian cycling history by breaking Anna Meares’ 500m Time Trial track record at the Adelaide SuperDrome.
On the road, she proved equally formidable, winning three South Australian State Road Championships and taking victory in the UCI Women’s Madison and Keirin events at the International Cycle Fest in Bundaberg.
Beyond the track, Hargrave has balanced her sporting ambitions with family life and a professional career. She is a Mum to Xavier (21 months old) and a qualified physiotherapist, running Active Edge Physiotherapy and Massage in Norwood. Her expertise in performance, recovery and longevity has not only underpinned her own success but has also supported those around her.
Hargrave has also made a significant contribution to the community as an Ambassador for the Premier’s Be Active Challenge, inspiring young people across South Australia, including in regional communities such as Oodnadatta and local country schools.
Reflecting on her journey, Hargrave expressed her gratitude for the support she received throughout her career.
“I am extremely grateful to SASI for their support over the years, which enabled me to achieve my goal of representing Australia despite a late start in the sport,” Hargrave said.
“I will always value the opportunity to have worn the green and gold.”
SASI Director Keren Faulkner paid tribute to Hargrave’s impact both on and off the bike.
“Bree has been an exceptional teammate and an even better person,” Faulkner said.
“She consistently lifted those around her, offering support, encouragement and leadership in every environment she was part of.
“As both an elite athlete and a Mum, Bree has helped pave the way for others, showing that it is possible to pursue high performance sport while balancing family life.”
SASI Lead Coach – Sprint Cycling James Glasspool also reflected on Hargrave’s journey and the determination that defined it.
“Bree has been a diligent and professional athlete throughout her entire time in SASI,” Glasspool said.
“She always found a way to kick the door open and find opportunity, even when sometimes it may not have presented itself.
“It goes to show that with hard work, determination and never giving up on your dreams, anything truly is possible, no matter your age.”
As Hargrave steps away from elite competition, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire the next generation of athletes.
