Cheatley, who competed for her nation at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, underwent a four-week programme at the World Cycling Centre in Switzerland and graduated as one of the strongest candidates, according to the UCI.

The 32-year-old, who retired from the sport in 2012, now aims to coach a New Zealand team from the initial development stage right through to the Olympics.

Graduating with the UCI Coaching Diploma marks the first step in Cheatley’s transition from her cycling career to a sports coaching role and she said the programme was “intense” yet rewarding.

“It was an intense, challenging and intensive four weeks,” Cheatley said.

“But thank you to the Aspiring Women Olympic Leaders Programme for encouraging me and supporting me to chase this.”

The NZOC Aspiring Women Olympic Leaders Programme intends to help women to develop leadership capability and professional connections by providing scholarships and support to retired athletes.

The Programme is open to all women who have represented New Zealand at an Olympic or Commonwealth Games and offers targeted support to selected women and helps them progress along a leadership pathway.

It is hoped members of the scheme will then go on to hold high-level positions in the NZOC or even the International Olympic Committee.

Cheatley is one of a number of women to be involved with the Programme along with athlete Sarah Cowley and hockey players Niniwa Roberts and Michelle Hollands.

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