The psychology of progress: Turning setbacks into record-breaking success

When Chelsey broke the record earlier this year in Pesaro, Italy, becoming the first Kiwi woman to dip under 25 seconds, it had been a hot, 35-degree day. She’d spent countless hours travelling and in training camps and says the race itself didn’t feel amazing – until she saw her time.

“I remember touching the wall, looking up and finally seeing a 24 instead of the 25 I’d been seeing for years. It felt impossible at times, but that moment was proof of all the work and persistence. We won the overall trophy, and I got to lift it on the podium with my club mates. The sun was shining, we were in Italy, and I turned to my friend and said, ‘This is the best day of my life!’”

Chelsey began swimming competitively at seven, after taking lessons in her hometown of Upper Hutt. She progressed quickly through the squads, fuelled by her love of the sport and its competitiveness. Along the way, she collected every national title, but there were times she struggled to get back into the pool.

Speaking with a sport psychologist proved a turning point.

“It really changed my whole career. I went from feeling like I didn’t have anyone who understood what I was going through to having someone check in with me. It made such a difference, and now I’m keen to go into sports psychology myself.”

This year, Chelsey started a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) via distance study at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University.

“Understanding how the brain works, how early attachments shape us and how our nervous system responds has been fascinating. I love reflecting on what I’ve studied and how it relates to me – especially when I’m swimming. In races, I can recognise stress as a normal response, which has been hugely beneficial. Seeing my studies intersect with my sport has been really cool.”

Chelsey was also drawn to Massey by its support for student athletes.

“I chose Massey not just for its strong psychology programme, which suits my goal of sports psychology, but also for the Academy of Sport and the scholarships they have. I wanted a supportive network with high performance coordinators who cared about my sport and me, and I found that here. The scholarship has helped with competitions, and the extra support makes it easier to keep a balance.”

Now based in Auckland, Chelsey has embraced a new training environment, new coach and new routines, alongside distance study.

“It can be stressful at times, but I’ve learned that’s my cue to slow down. Managing your time, making space for the people in your life and knowing when to ask for help is key. I’m really lucky to have people in my corner who help me be at my best.”

Communication is just as important, she adds.

“Open communication is huge. Whether it’s with my coach, squad mates, my boss or Massey’s high performance coordinators, being honest about where I’m at makes a big difference. And giving yourself some credit is important too, even though athletes don’t always do that!”

Breaking the record was a major milestone, but while in Italy, the Aquablack also achieved several long-sought personal bests.

“Swimming is a sport where progress can feel minimal, so when it comes, it’s the most rewarding feeling. My results in Italy reflected months of physical and mental work. Consistency is what makes progression possible.”

Those achievements have sharpened her focus and driven her to keep pushing boundaries. During the Short Course New Zealand Nationals in September, she smashed a New Zealand Open Record in the 4x100 Freestyle Mixed Relay, alongside fellow Massey teammate Erika Fairweather, with her 100-metre freestyle lead-off leg also setting a new course record.

At the 2025 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in October. Chelsey broke another record in the 50-metre Freestyle (short course), surpassing the previous national mark of 24.38 seconds set by Hayley Palmer in 2009, before going on to beat her own time in the final with 24.11 seconds.

“Commonwealth Games qualifications are in May. With only 10 spots and tough qualifying times, I’ll need to stay consistent right through to trials. I’m going to do everything in my power to make that team.”

Chelsey says she’s making sure to enjoy the journey as well as the goals ahead.

“I’m excited to keep studying at a university where my athletic career can still be a priority, because it’s so important to me. Even as a distance student, the Academy of Sport makes me feel part of the community and that my goals and achievements are important. Massey has all the systems in place to help me balance study and competition, and the Auckland campus is close enough for me to pop in, use the gym and connect in person.”

For other athletes, she hopes her story shows that setbacks are part of the process.

“I missed out on the Olympic relay by a point of a second, so yeah, setbacks are real and they’re common. You can’t do it alone, even in a one-person sport, you need people you can lean on. Take the time to be easy on yourself and create a network where you can talk to people you trust and let them know how you’re feeling. Be honest with yourself, be consistent, and put in the work.”

Chelsey is grateful for the people who keep her grounded and motivated.

“My coach Graham Hill has changed my career. He’s absolutely in my corner and believes in me 100 per cent. My family in Wellington may be further away now, but their support never wavers. And my club mates, we put in the work together and always have each other’s backs. That means everything.”

Check out Chelsey’s record-breaking moment.

Learn about the Academy of Sport programme for high-performance athletes studying at Massey.

Interested in joining Massey’s market-leading Bachelor of Science (Psychology) to learn how people perceive, learn, think, develop, behave and relate to each other?

Study a Bachelor of Science – Psychology.