Kiwi Olympic diver Lizzie Cui can’t quite believe that this is her life. This time last year, she was supposed to be packing her bags and heading off to her second Olympic Games in Tokyo. Instead, she was back home in New Zealand getting ready to become a mum for the first time.
“I had to completely shift my priorities,” Lizzie, 24, tells the Weekly on Zoom from her home in the US, her baby daughter happily babbling away next to her. “I was focused on the Olympics and then I had to turn my energy to growing a baby. I didn’t know what I was doing.”
Lizzie was only 17 when she qualified for her first Olympic Games in 2016 and was the first local diver in 24 years to compete in the prestigious competition.
Following her debut on the world stage, she won a scholarship to train and study at Louisiana State University in America, which she’s called home for the past six years.
In 2020, she was elated when she qualified for her second Olympic Games. But three months before the rescheduled event was due to take place, a visit to the doctor to check on an ovarian cyst changed everything.
Lizzie’s doctor made her take a pregnancy test to check if it was safe for her to go on medication and she was stunned when she got a positive result. A blood test confirmed the news.
This story is from the August 22, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 22, 2022 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The butt OF JOKES
Kevin wasn't so keen on wife Linda’s reaction to his medical emergency!
A space to CALL HOME
Michele reflects on finding your safe place
Gut REACTION
Want to live a healthier, happier life? Experts think the bacteria in your belly could be the secret to living well
Right as ROTI
This delicate Malaysian-style flatbread can be quickly prepared in a frying pan. Enjoy on its own or paired with a curry or soup
LAURA'S BACKYARD DRAMA
The theatre star’s taking The Bard's work to a familiar venue
PAULA & BREE'S SPECIAL BOND
The director admits her leading lady does a bett er job of being her than she does!
KEEPING UP WITH DUSKIE
With a special limb to fast-track her progress, there’s no stopping her now!
MKR SISTERS' KITCHEN CRED
Their taste buds are stronger than most, thanks to wacky childhood creations
'I COULDN'T TELL A SOUL'
In a top-secret mission, the TV star’s uncovered how Pippa took on the Nazis
HOW THEY PLAN TO WIN BACK FANS
The couple’s polo date is just the start of more fun and games