Welsh bobsleigh duo target Winter Olympics history
The pair recently attended a Team GB media day in Edinburgh as part of their preparations. "We're here at the Team GB Winter Olympics summit event," says Nicoll. "It's really helping us get into the spirit and mindset for the Games."Both athletes have transitioned from other sports and credit their diverse sporting backgrounds for giving them an edge on the ice."I'm the biggest advocate for athletics as a foundation for any sport," said Nicoll, who also competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the shot put."It's an individual sport, so you learn the discipline to turn up every day even when you're training alone. You also learn to deal with losses, which is huge."Placide, who has a background in both gymnastics and athletics, added: "The demands of gymnastics and athletics have really helped me excel in bobsleigh."
Eyes on qualification
To secure their spot in the two-person bobsleigh event in Italy, Nicoll and Placide must meet strict performance standards, compete on multiple tracks, and earn enough points to stay high in the world rankings.With a crucial season ahead, Nicoll knows exactly what is at stake. "The World Cup this year will be huge for us, we're giving ourselves a fighting chance of being on the podium in every single race," she said."I've improved massively with my driving over the last couple of years. I feel like I've really developed the ability to give myself feedback and make those fine adjustments that make the difference at this level."She insists the pair will do everything they can to achieve their Olympic dream. "We're leaving no stone unturned to put ourselves in that position," she added. "It's going to take a lot of hard work and 100% focus from everyone involved, but we believe in what we're doing."
Making history for Wales
Both athletes have made no secret of their ambition to make history by achieving Britain's best-ever finish by a female bobsleigh team.For Nicoll, the pride in her roots is clear."I can't describe how proud I am to come from such a small Welsh town," said the Welshpool native. "I didn't grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth but I had parents who were unwavering in their support. We didn't have the best of everything, but they made sure we did the best with what we had."To go to the Olympic Games and represent Great Britain is amazing, but I'll also be representing Welshpool, my family, and everyone who's helped me along the way."Placide has dreamed of the Olympics since she was a child even if bobsleigh was never on the radar back then. "I remember telling my mum, 'I'm going to the Olympics in gymnastics', she laughed. "Then that didn't happen, so when I moved to athletics, I said it again, 'I'm going to the Olympics in athletics'. And now here I am in bobsleigh, with a real chance of going to the Games. It's just mental when I think about it."With their determination and belief, the Welsh pair hope their journey will inspire others to chase their own dreams, no matter how unlikely they may seem.
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Rhys Thomas edge nearer the action. Those squad members not involved in the game hurry down to the dugout. Soon, it's seconds. Finally, the sound of the hooter cuts through the air. The corridors under the stands are manic. As one Welsh staff member passes by, all he can muster is "Thank God it's over." "I'll shake Ben's hand as he's been miserable for 18 months.," says Sherratt before starting his press conference. 18 months is generous. Both him and Lake are clapped out of the room by the local press once their duties are done. Down the corridor, in the Welsh dressing room, joyful renditions of 'Believe', 'Walking in Memphis' and 'Country Roads' ring out - each one chosen by the new caps as their song. If you never knew Giles was a Cher fan, you do now. There's little time to saviour it all. There's a train to Tokyo to catch. A flight home back to Wales - and all the normalities and uncertainties that come with it - awaits. But, for a few moments before they leave the stadium, in a near-empty dressing room that has been cleared of all of Wales' equipment and paraphernalia, a half-open door shows the sight of Wales' interim coaching staff sharing a cold beer or two - having achieved what they set out to do. Article continues below For now, after 644 days, this is everything.
