Michelle's Story
1976 -
Victorian track cyclist Michelle Ferris won silver medals at consecutive Games appearances in 1996 and 2000. Both times she was beaten by French legend Felicia Ballanger, considered one of the greatest track cyclists ever to race. Ferris was only 19 years old when she made her Olympic debut in Atlanta competing in the women’s sprint. After recording the fastest qualifying time, she proved her strength and tactical ability in the knock-out sprint duels, winning her way to the final where she lost to Ballanger. Ferris’s result was the best recorded by an Australian cyclist in Atlanta. Four years later in Sydney, Ferris set a scorching personal best time in the women’s 500m time trial, only to have Ballanger edge her out for gold. Ferris also competed in the sprint, placing fourth.
