Michaela Brake (fka Blyde)
Michaela Brake is one of New Zealand’s most electrifying and accomplished athletes — an Olympic gold medallist, world champion, and now a trailblazing cross-code star in the NRLW.
A powerhouse on the rugby sevens circuit since her debut in 2013 at just 17, Michaela has scored more than 273 international tries and racked up over 1,400 points. She’s won gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and the 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens. Recognised twice as World Rugby Women’s Sevens Player of the Year (2017 and 2018), Michaela was also named in the Dream Team following her standout performances in 2024.
Her recent feats include scoring her 250th international sevens try in Perth in January 2025 and surpassing Portia Woodman as the all-time top women’s try-scorer in the HSBC Sevens Series at Vancouver in February 2025.
In a bold career pivot, Michaela signed a one-year NRLW contract with the New Zealand Warriors for the 2025 season, proving her elite athleticism can cross sporting codes with ease.
Off the field, she celebrated her marriage to Olympic rower Michael Brake in January 2025.
On stage, Michaela is warm, energetic, and deeply inspiring. She shares stories about resilience, overcoming setbacks, and pushing past perceived limits — all while staying grounded in her roots and values.
Ideal for:
Sports and high-performance forums
Youth and school empowerment events
Women’s leadership and diversity conferences
Corporate wellbeing and motivation programmes
Community and cultural events
Michaela brings unparalleled energy, authenticity, and powerful storytelling — perfect for audiences seeking both inspiration and practical insight from a world-class athlete.
