Adele Nicoll, a 29-year-old from Welshpool, is set to make history as the first British Olympian to compete in bobsleigh's monobob event at the Winter Olympics in Cortina next month. The reigning British shot put champion will also compete in the two-woman event alongside Ashleigh Nelson.
Nicoll, who still hopes to represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games this summer, says her journey from athletics to bobsleigh is about inspiring others. 'To be a role model is huge for me because I grew up in a rural area in mid-Wales where I didn't have many role models,' she said. 'Becoming the first British female to compete in the monobob in Olympic history, being from Welshpool it means so much more.'
Having travelled to Beijing 2022 as an alternate brakewoman, Nicoll has since stepped up to pilot. She became British shot put champion months later and represented Wales at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She believes her background in field athletics has helped her excel in bobsleigh. 'A lot of people retire from one sport and transfer to another... I am really proud to represent field athletes and show what powerhouses we can be,' she added.
Nicoll credits her family for keeping her grounded. 'My dad sent me a thumbs up when I told him I was going to the Olympics,' she said. 'Growing up he has always kept me so humble. I know he is so proud of me.'
