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Former NZ Army officer makes history in freestyle mountain biking

The former Lance Corporal in the NZ Army became the first female to land a backflip in competition.

A year ago Robin Goomes was a Lance Corporal in the NZ Army, now she’s made history in mountain-biking, becoming the first female to land a back flip in competition while in Austria.

The 25-year-old, born and bred on the Chatham Islands, has had plenty of time to let the feat sink in from managed isolation back home in New Zealand.

“You go into it (tricks) like this could be the sickest thing I ever do... or death... so it feels really nice (to land it)," she said.

Goomes is a product of the Future Ground academy – a newly established programme in Queenstown run by Mons Royale, to help women grow their confidence to take on the big jumps and drops.

In her first season abroad competing, Goomes spent an action-packed six weeks across the US and Europe.

A career highlight was being chosen as one of nine women to compete at the famed invite-only event, the Audi Nines.

“Actually looking back it now, I still watch videos and stuff from and go nah... that didn’t happen," Goomes said.

Her recent success, a huge change from the position she was in a year ago, based out of Waiouru Military Camp.

“I did plant operating (engineering) which is heavy machinery, which was so cool."

The role saw her able to travel to Antarctica, though, Goomes said she’s hopeful she can now build a career out of the sport.

“I want to take it as far as I can.”

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