Four-Time Olympian Channels Skills Into Real Estate

Ray White Blenheim rural property expert Graeme Miller’s previous career as a professional cyclist saw him travel the world and become a four-time Olympyian. 

He competed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, 1988 Seoul Olympics, 1992 Barcelona Olympics and was also selected for the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. 

Mr Miller also competed in five Commonwealth Games, winning two gold medals at the 1990 Commonwealth games in Auckland, a silver at the silver at the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh and silver at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. He was also the flag bearer and team captain at Kuala Lumper in 1998. 

“I started cycling as a 15 year old in Blenheim,” Mr Miller said. 

“After a snapped achilles I  was told to ride a bike as part of my rehabilitation, and a school mate said come to the local velodrome, which I did,  and it all started from there. 

“I did two Olympics on the velodromes and two on the road.

“I raced for 30 years at a high level and loved the challenge both mentally and physically. I won over 200 races all around the world.” 

Mr Miller was selected for his first Olympics in Moscow in 1980 at just 19 years old, but was unable to participate as New Zealand was one of many countries which boycotted that Olympics. 

“I think that was one of the biggest mental battles I ever had as one day I was selected and off to the Olympics, and about three weeks later, the day before we were set to leave, I had a phone call to say we were not allowed to go,” Mr Miller said. 

But that mental challenge did not stop him from training and going on to participate at three later Olympic Games. 

“I loved the sport from day one and never over the 30 years of being a cyclist did I ever fail to do my training,” Mr Miller said. 

“It was a passion, and I was lucky enough to have a bit of talent and make a living from my sport, so it was a win-win for me.” 

Mr Miller said a highlight for him was placing 8th at the Seoul Olympics in 1988, and while he wasn’t happy with the result at the time, looking back he can appreciate it was a huge achievement. 

“I was quoted saying ‘eighth place is like kissing your grandmother, there is nothing in it’,” Mr Miller reflected. 

“I was about 50mm away from third place!

“Another highlight was finishing third in the USA Pro Champs 265km race which Lance Armstrong won.” 

After a terrible cycling accident in 2002 which required a major back operation, Mr Miller’s cycling career came to an end at 42 years old. But he has now found a new passion for real estate. 

“Being a top sports person and real estate are very similar as you need the same motivation and dedication for both, plus you need a strong team and team support,” he said. 

“Ray White was a natural fit for me once I came home to Blenheim.

“It’s a great team here in Blenheim and the Ray White machine that supports us is amazing. 

“I feel I have all the support needed and I have a great fun team which makes working at Ray White another dream.”