Suzanne McFadden

Auckland, Whenuapai

Journalist and Writer at Freelance

Editor of LockerRoom, dedicated to women in sport; veteran America’s Cup follower; also wife, mother-of-two and new Nanna-Suze.

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Articles

From Sun up to Sun down: Lulu's day at Wimbledon

4 days ago | newsroom.co.nz | Suzanne McFadden

She insists she’s not into rituals, yet Lulu Sun eats strawberries and cream between match days, dines at the same Korean restaurant almost every night, gets in the zone to rap, and avoids stepping on the lines as she walks on court at Wimbledon. Last year, she rocketed from No.123 in the world to become the first Kiwi woman to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals. Now 24, and ranked 46, Sun returns with the same mindset next week – only this time, she’s straight into the Grand Slam main draw.
On a fast track from cyclist to world champ coach

6 days ago | newsroom.co.nz | Suzanne McFadden

Nicole Murray remembers the panic when she realised she’d forgotten her prosthetic before the 3000m individual pursuit qualifying ride at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. It was a mistake that could have mentally unravelled the Para cyclist before one of the biggest races in her career. But instead, the level-headed approach of her coach, Elyse Fraser, put Murray straight back on track. “Elyse just laid it out: ‘Here’s our Plan A, here’s Plan B; we’ll just deal with it and move on’.
LockerRoom: Mystic connection - Rookie steps up for her injured idol

1 week ago | nzherald.co.nz | Suzanne McFadden

Rookie Northern Mystics shooter Sophia Lafaiali'i (centre, in blue) held her own against Central Pulse veteran Kelly Jackson (left) in her first full game of the ANZ Premiership. Photo / Michael Bradley Photography, NewsroomShe shot out of nowhere – a cool-handed young shooter who helped put the Northern Mystics’ season back on track. And even Sophia Lafaiali’i never expected her rapid rise, as Suzanne McFadden discovers.
Amelia Walmsley overcome challenges with dad by her side

1 week ago | nowtolove.co.nz | Suzanne McFadden

Silver Ferns shooting star Amelia Walmsley has always known her dad Kerry would be there when it mattered. But on the eve of last season’s ANZ Premiership grand final with her body battered and the pressure mounting, it was the steadying voice of the former Black Caps fast bowler she needed more than ever.
Mystic connection: Rookie steps up for her injured idol

1 week ago | newsroom.co.nz | Suzanne McFadden

If there’s one player in world netball right now who Sophia Lafaiali’i looks up to, it’s Australian Diamond Donnell Wallam. Up until now, she’s always admired the strong, agile, sharp shooter from afar. “I love watching her play – she’s a beast, she’s so strong.
More than a medal: Māia's comeback a victory over hurt

2 weeks ago | newsroom.co.nz | Suzanne McFadden

Returning to the international climbing stage after a year of physical and mental anguish, Rachel Māia experienced emotional whiplash. First came the crushing low of one wrong move on the wall – feeling defeated, doubting her strength, questioning if she was even ready to face the heights of international competition so soon after surgery.
Māmā Kells raises the bar for women in weightlifting

2 weeks ago | newsroom.co.nz | Suzanne McFadden

Sport has been a constant in Kelly Ihaka-Pitama’s life. As a teenager, she was a talented shot put and discus thrower, competing against world champion Beatrice Faumuina. She rose to Commonwealth Games level, but never got the chance to compete at a Games. Instead, Ihaka-Pitama studied sports science and worked in the sporting industry until she was 22, when she met her future husband. They bought a home and travelled, then Ihaka-Pitama began a successful career in freight forwarding and logistics.
King's Honours: From rider to wheelie to dame

3 weeks ago | newsroom.co.nz | Suzanne McFadden

Dame Catriona Williams has hand-cycled thousands of kilometres – on the streets of New York, the slopes of Mt Everest, and through a British snowstorm. She’s sat in the winner’s circle at some of Australasia’s grandest horse races. And she’s raised millions of dollars through her CatWalk charity. Yet she would trade it all in a heartbeat to dance with her husband, Sam, on her own two feet again.
Olympian Valerie Adams champions winter warmth for South Auckland children

4 weeks ago | nzherald.co.nz | Suzanne McFadden

Valerie Adams is passionate about leading the Jammie Army. Photo / Emily ChalkThe Olympic legend opens up about parenting and the new project that brings a tear to her eye. Dame Valerie Adams wraps her two kids in warm hugs as they arrive home from school on a stormy Friday afternoon. Six-year-old Tava is lugging Caleb, his class mascot, a yellow cuddly toy octopus that he’s caring for over the weekend.
Family pride: Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu's emotional Black Ferns debut

1 month ago | nzherald.co.nz | Suzanne McFadden

Black Ferns debutants (from left) Risi Pouri-Lane, Jorja Miller, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Vici-Rose Green celebrate their 79–14 win over the USA. Photo / Getty ImagesVeisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu debuted for the Black Ferns, fulfilling her late mother Maire Fakalelu’s dream. Her family, including her mother’s cousin Roberta Reed, supported her at North Harbour Stadium. Mahutariki-Fakalelu’s resilience and hard work were celebrated, with her carrying her parents’ memory.