Worlds 2024
IQ Games
Tokyo 2020
LANZA TRAINING

JOIN NIKOLA'S TEAM AS SHE TRIES TO QUALIFY CANADA FOR PARIS 2024!

I'm embarking on another crazy adventure - I've set my sights on qualifying Canada for a spot for the IQFoil Women at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 

You might be wondering what's driving me to do this once again. Well, the Olympic windsurfing class for Paris 2024 has undergone a remarkable transformation with the introduction of the "IQ Foil." This new discipline is a game changer and has completely transformed the sport. Foiling has us reach speeds at least twice as fast as the average windsurfer. Foiling has reignited my passion for windsurfing.

What makes my journey unique is that I'm one of only 260 women in the world who have competed in 5 or more Olympic Games. In the realm of sailing, I am currently one of just five individuals globally who have done this, I've already switched sailing disciplines three times, and this would be my fourth, a feat no other sailor has achieved. This challenge aligns with my life motto: Dare to Dream. Dare to Achieve. Dare to Succeed.

WORLDS 2024

STEPS TO QUALIFY FOR PARIS 2024 

In the IQFoil women's class there are only 24 spots available for 24 countries at the Olympic Games. There is only one qualification event left for Canada to get one of the 5 remaining country spots (based on previous Worlds and Continental qualifiers). These 5 spots will be up for grabs at the "Last Chance Regatta" (Hyeres, France, April 18-27). 

However, the 'Canadian Olympic Trials', to select the top representative for the Olympics this summer, is happening before Canada has qualified for this Olympic spot. The Canadian trials will be a combination of the following events: 2024 World Championships (Lanzarote, Spain: Jan 29- Feb 3) and the Palma World Cup (Palma, Spain: April 1-6). The final finishing position at each event will be combined to sum a total score, and the sailor with the lowest score will be nominated to the Olympic Team! 

Currently I am in the lead for the potential Canadian IQFoil Women's spot. 

IF YOU'D LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO MY JOURNEY BY HELPING COVER THE COSTS OF TRAINING AND COMPETING, I'D BE HONOURED TO HAVE YOU JOIN MY SUPPORT TEAM.

Lanzarote Training

MORE BACKGROUND ON ME AND MY SAILING CAREER:

Nikola started sailing at the age of 9. Her passion for the sport quickly developed her into an avid racer. A three-time National Youth Champion, a 5th place at the 1995 Youth Worlds and winning the Women's Title at the 1995 Laser 2 Worlds inspired Nikola to dream of the Olympics. However, in 1999, Nikola went on to pursue her passion and goals in windsurfing, moving to Maui. She trained and competed in some of the Professional Windsurfing Association's World Cup Tour, before she was recruited back to sailing.

The summer of 2001 was Nikola's first season in the 470 class sailboat and after a successful three year Olympic Campaign in the 470, Nikola with her teammate Jen placed 13th at the Athens Olympic Games.

Athens 2004

In 2005, Nikola switched back to windsurfing, but this time to the Olympic RSX launching — yet completely different — Olympic campaign for Beijing 2008. A virtual rookie compared to her competitors, Nikola finished a respectable 17th place finish at the 2008 Olympic Games, which inspired her to continue her pursuit of bringing home an Olympic medal for Canada. With a 10th place at the 2012 World Championships, Nikola qualified herself to represent Canada at the London 2012 Olympic Games in women's windsurfing, and placed 10th. 

Perth Worlds

If two sports weren’t daunting enough, Nikola switched it up yet again for Rio 2016, this time competing for Canada with her teammate Luke Ramsay on the new mixed crew catamaran, the Nacra 17. Nikola is amongst only a few athletes who have made the transition from one sport to another and to have competed in three different disciplines in five consecutive Olympic Games.

World Cup - Nacra 17
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I may be solo on my board, but going to the Olympics is a huge team effort

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND SUPPORT. 

 

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