The Champion - Nicola Minichiello.
When she crashed into a concrete wall at 70mph during the third heat of this year's Winter Olympics, Nicola's first thought was not whether she would survive, but of the gold medal she had lost. This commitment illustrates the resolve that got her to the Olympics.
Brought up by her single mother on benefits and the victim of racist bullying at school, Nicola's passion for athletics got her into teaching training. "Sport moved me. It was an opportunity to get away from my environment," she says. She soon became a dedicated HEPTATHLETE. Her speed and agility didn't go unnoticed and two weeks after her brother's death from a heroin overdose, when she was 24, she was asked to audition for the British bobsleigh team. "I thought, 'What the heck, life is too short'."
Last year she won the World Championship with brake-woman Gill Cooke. In the summer she teaches to fund the team - she bought her $8,500 bobsleigh on her credit card, which she is still paying off. Before this year's Winter Olympics Nicola faced yet another hurdle when she lost the sight in one eye - due to inflammation of the retina - and was operated on just 16 days before the games. Then came the crash. "It's just one of those things I'm putting down to experience. Crashes happen."
Next on her agenda is defending her World Title and continuing her work with the YOUTH SPORT TRUST. "If there's one person who I can influence, then that for me is fantastic, especially if it's a young person. It's an honour to be in that position." - SHE magazine.
Inspired by Aine's Inspirational Women Wednesday @ THE EVOLVING SPIRIT.
Next Week:- The Juggler.
11 comments:
What a wonderfully inspiring story! You've really got to admire those Olympic gymnists...and even those who simply try to make it. The dedication and commitment it takes to get to that level in any sport or activity....just amazing. Glad to see that the crash didn't crush her spirit...I'm certain many will benefit from her continuing efforts. Thanks for sharing!
Another one of your inspiring posts..I so love to read these!!
Her commitment, her thoughts...wow..she is definitely a champion!!!
We always need your inspiring posts, Tracy. Thanks for sharing it :)
A great woman capable of amazing grace!
~B hugs
It's so great when someone has a difficult set of circumstances and rather than give in and live a life one might expect, they become strong and do what most of us could not. Fantastic!
Inspiring! Somehow I missed her story during the Olympics this year. I guess I never got beyond the fatal crash on the luge.
I hate to hear of them crashing-especially the guy that died. :(
But they are so dedicated-nothing stands in their way. That's honorable.
What a great story, really inspiring.
Wow she is an inspiring woman!
Inspiring and so is your quote at the top of your blog. It pulls me up short every time I read it. That's a good thing. XD
Wow. It makes me think I should be doing more or at least trying harder.
Thanks for the great post. I has helped put my week in perspective. It makes me realize that most of us are a lot tougher than we give our selves credit for.
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