Neff's rapid ascent in the sport saw her competing at the U23 level by 2012. She won world and European titles in her first year. By 2014, she became the youngest female mountain biker to win an overall World Cup title in cross-country at age 21 years and 231 days.

In 2016, Neff represented Switzerland in both road cycling and mountain biking at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games. This made her the first female Swiss athlete to compete in both disciplines at the same Olympics.

Challenges and Injuries

Neff's career has not been without its challenges. In December 2019, she sustained severe injuries, including a grade five spleen rupture and a partially collapsed lung. Despite these setbacks, she returned to mountain biking by March 2020.

Earlier injuries include a broken collarbone in January 2018 and a concussion during the 2015 World Cup event in Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada. These incidents have tested her resilience but have not deterred her from pursuing her passion.

Training and Preparation

In preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Neff spent seven weeks training at the mountain bike course in Izu City, Japan. Her dedication paid off when she won gold in the Ready Steady Tokyo test event. She emphasised the importance of mastering technical sections on the track.

Personal Life and Interests

Neff balances her athletic career with various hobbies, including meeting friends, drinking coffee, and shopping. She is multilingual, speaking English, French, German, Latin, and Spanish. Her partner Luca Shaw is also a mountain biker who has represented the United States at world championships.

Awards and Honours

Neff has been named Swiss Female Cyclist of the Year for six consecutive years between 2014 and 2019. Her achievements highlight her consistency and excellence in the sport.

Philosophy and Inspiration

Neff's sporting philosophy is encapsulated in her motto: "Train hard, win easy." She finds immense satisfaction in hard work and believes that being in the zone during training is unparalleled. Her idol is Polish mountain biker Maja Wloszczowska.

Magazine Initiative

In 2020, Neff launched an online quarterly magazine called Trois Mois. The magazine features updates on her career and daily life. Proceeds from subscriptions are donated to the Swiss cancer charity Greenhope. Neff enjoys writing and designing for the magazine.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Neff aims to continue competing at high levels while contributing to charitable causes through her magazine. Her journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a passion for cycling that continues to inspire many.