In that sense, it was no surprise the cyclist announced her retirement yesterday.
Otago's golden girl had hoped an operation on her hip in June would allow her the opportunity to defend her Commonwealth Games individual pursuit title in Scotland later this year.
But, while the operation has been a success, she has been sidelined for the best part of six months and no longer feels she can perform at the level needed to win gold.
''I have a real passion for what I do and have always committed 100% but I have to listen to my body when enough is enough,'' Shanks said.
''If I can't do something 100% physically and mentally, then it's time to find a new challenge and start a new adventure.
''I have been playing sport my entire life and have had an incredible journey. I have cherished every single part of it - the hard work, the training, the people, the travel, the failures and obviously the successes. I love representing my family, Otago and my country.''
Shanks won gold in the 3000m individual pursuit at the 2009 and 2012 world championships and at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India.
She placed fourth at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and would have been one of the favourites for gold at the 2012 Olympics in London but the event was cut from the programme.
A multi-talented sportswoman, Shanks played basketball and netball for Otago. She played 16 games for the Otago Rebels from 2001-05 and made the New Zealand A team in 2004. She played for the Otago Breakers from 2000-04.
Alison Shanks
Age: 31.
Cycling: Two world titles, Commonwealth Games gold medal, two-time Olympian.
Netball: Otago Rebels 2001-05.
Basketball: Otago Breakers 2000-04.
