This week holds historical significance for one of Team GB’s most thrilling young athletes, who is also set to explore her family’s legacy.
Emma Finucane, a 21-year-old cyclist brimming with promise, admits, ‘I don’t know nearly as much as I ought to about my great-uncle,’ referring to the figure who brought honor to the Finucane name long before her.
Her great-uncle is Brendan ‘Paddy’ Finucane, the youngest wing commander in RAF history and a national hero celebrated for his bravery during the Battle of Britain.
‘He’s related through my dad’s side, but even then, I’m not fully certain of the details,’ Finucane shares. ‘It’s amusing—some friends recently inquired about it after it unexpectedly appeared on my Wikipedia page, and I have no clue how that happened or who shared it.’
‘My dad and brother know a lot about him. They’re even producing a Netflix documentary about his life, which sounds extraordinary. I really need to dig deeper into those details, but it’s incredibly cool to have such a relative.’
Emma Finucane aims for three gold medals for Team GB at the 2024 Olympics
Achieving this would mark her as the first British woman to accomplish this at the Games
‘Just imagine flying a Spitfire—how amazing would that be? I’d love to try that or even race a Formula One car—so exhilarating!’
Despite the differences in their disciplines, Emma and Paddy Finucane share a passion for speed and groundbreaking achievements that resonate through generations.
This week, 82 years after Paddy Finucane was killed in action off the coast of France at the young age of 21, Emma finds herself in Paris at the same age.
Her pursuit of three medals kicks off today with the team sprint, followed by the sprint and keirin events. Winning gold in all three is not merely a pipe dream; it’s a historic opportunity that has yet to be claimed by any British woman at a single Olympic Games.
Those who believe in Emma’s potential have been impressed by her rapid ascent, especially last year when she became the youngest women’s world sprint champion in nearly fifty years at just 20 years old.
She then secured three medals—including gold in the sprint—at the European Championships in January, garnering significant attention in her sport. Dame Laura Kenny, a cycling legend, boldly predicted in March: ‘I truly believe she could become the first (British) female to win three golds in one Games.’ This prediction was music to Finucane’s ears and a clear signal that expectations have quickly intensified.
Cycling legend Dame Laura Kenny has endorsed the 21-year-old’s potential for making history in Paris
‘Everything has happened so quickly,’ Emma reflects. ‘Laura’s words were so kind—after all, she’s Laura Kenny. I still remember attending the national championships a few years back before I moved to this area, where she was helping me pump up my tires, and I was amazed that Laura Kenny was even touching my bike. For her to speak about me like that was incredibly flattering. Others have mentioned it too, which really resonates with my aspirations. I’m not afraid to admit that it’s one of my goals.’
‘In the past, I would typically downplay my ambitions and think, “No, that’s impossible. No one should suggest that.” However, I’ve been working through this with my psychologist and coach, learning that it’s okay to draw confidence from others’ beliefs in me.’
Building self-belief has been a journey tied to the complex psychology that accompanies swift success. Emma captures this sentiment by recounting a moment before her world sprint final last year.
‘Reaching the final was a monumental step for me, as I had never been there before. There was this new wave of expectation, and I just had to express my feelings. You wouldn’t want to do that in front of your competitors, so I excused myself to the restroom for a quick cry.’
‘Winning that final against Lea Friedrich, the eight-time world champion from Germany, was monumental for me. It proved that I could conquer my nerves, but of course, winning also heightened the expectations once more. I feel like I handle that so much better now, a year on. It’s been a vital mental journey for me.’
Finucane became the third British woman to be crowned world sprint champion in 2023
The experiences she has gained are now being utilized on a broader stage, as Emma enters Paris as a contender to beat. In her power-driven events, where personalities are robust and athletes usually peak in their mid-twenties, the pressures can be immense.
‘Two and a half years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined I’d be heading to Paris,’ she reflects. ‘I never expected everything to advance so quickly, and there’s no guidebook on how to navigate through it or what to expect.’
‘I’ve had to manage the new stress that comes from being the one to beat; the pressure of thinking expectations surround you always; and the internal pressure I place on myself. These are things I’ve worked hard to cope with.’
‘I like to view it this way: no one can take my medals away from me. They’re like my little trophies on the shelf, and I just need to race as if I have nothing to lose. But the psyche is such a wild thing.’
‘I mentioned this previously, and my parents admitted they had no idea I was managing this. I’m not sure “managing it” is even the right term because I adore racing, but there’s considerably more involved.’
‘Honestly, I’m proud of how I’ve dealt with it and grown. When I first joined this program, I was incredibly introverted; I would text my friend because I wouldn’t know how to say anything in front of my coach for fear of saying something foolish.’
Finucane is a descendant of World War Two flying ace Paddy Finucane
‘But that has evolved over time. I realize Paris is a significant occasion, but I have to approach the Olympics as if they are just ordinary races. If I race hard, victory is within reach.’
This provides a fascinating glimpse into the mindset of athletes most of us observe only fleetingly every four years, with their success or failure hinging on how Emma navigates the velodrome’s laps.
No one would confuse her pursuit with dodging bullets in a Spitfire, yet this remarkable athlete has held her ground with poise. A few successful days in Paris could mean yet another historic chapter for the Finucanes.
