However , her biggest result in 2017 was fifth place at the World Youth Championships in Nairobi , Kenya – especially considering that the youngster from Sasolburg was not initially selected for the Champs . “ I was not in the original team selected to go , but we appealed the decision and I eventually found myself in the team . I was so excited when I heard the news , but I had very little time in which to prepare properly , and to top it off , I was ill two weeks before we left . Still , what an honour to represent your country ! I have always wanted to compete for South Africa , and this will hopefully be the first of many more times .”

African Adventure

Nairobi was certainly a very different experience for Nicole and her teammates . “ Everyone was so friendly , and we had a police escort when we travelled from the airport to our accommodation at Kenyata University , and to the stadium . But there were so many cars on the road ! It was a bit freaky , because I am used to a quieter environment in Sasolburg , but we were treated really well . The food was amazing , especially the dessert table . That was the best !” Nicole admits sheepishly .

Another huge bonus was the incredible crowd support in the Kasarani Stadium . The seating capacity is officially 60,000 , but many have suggested that there were more than 60,000 in the stadium every day of the Champs , and they contributed to an incredible atmosphere not seen before at an event of this nature . “ It was amazing , having all these people watching , but it wasn ’ t intimidating at all . It got me excited to be racing in front of so many people . I was happy , though , that the initial heats of the race were cancelled , as I did battle a bit with the altitude .” ( The stadium lies at 1795m .)

As with most youngsters when they compete internationally , friendships are formed and the first trip is quite an adventure . “ I made friends with the Moroccans who were running with me . It was funny because we couldn ’ t really understand each other , but somehow we managed to communicate . It was an amazing experience .” However , on the track Nicole put aside friendship as she set out with her trademark aggressive style in the final . “ The start was slow , so Lyndi Roelofse and I went to the front . I did not want to get boxed in early on , so I was happy running in the front . Lyndi set the pace until 800m to go , but then the Kenyans and Ethiopians kicked .” While the East Africans were deciding the medals up front , Nicole found herself in a battle with Bulgaria ’ s Liliana Georgieva , and just 13 one-hundredths of a second separated the two as Nicole edged Georgieva into sixth place .

Bright future

There is no doubt that Nicole is a massively talented young athlete , who looks set to go far in athletics , but competing around the country and internationally throughout the past year – she also represented SA at the World Cross Country Champs in Kampala , Uganda in March – means that she missed out on some school days . Fortunately , Sasolburg High School , where she will be in grade 11 in 2018 , is very supportive of her sport , and the teachers have assisted wherever they can so that Nicole ’ s studies have not suffered .

Added to that , Nicole can call on the support of two of her running role models , Elana van Zyl Meyer and Nolene Conrad , who actively support her through Endurocad . Nolene , in particular , has taken an active interest in Nicole , as both run for KMPG , and they speak regularly . “ Nolene always has an encouraging word for us and takes a big interest in us ,” says Nicole . In turn , Nolene responds that “ Nicole is so talented . She is hungry and aggressive in her running , and we haven ’ t seen this kind of talent in a while . It is exciting to see her race .”

Images : Roger Sedres / ImageSA