LETHBRIDGE – She has a resume that would be the envy of most swimmers, yet there have still been times when Rachel Nicol battled confidence issues in and out of the pool.
“There’s been times I’d say more of doubt in myself than probably thinking that I’m actually good at it,” remembers the 22-year-old with a laugh.
Despite those feelings, Nicol was a star from a young age. She broke countless provincial records and among her many accomplishments was a gold medal at the 2010 World Youth Olympic Games in Singapore. But, through it all she found times where she needed to step away from the sport when the pressure became too much.
“My teenage years were a bit difficult so I took some breaks during then for sure,” said Nicol. “A few months just to mentally collect myself.”
The rest paid off. After graduating from Lethbridge’s Catholic Central high school, she accepted a scholarship to swim at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Once again she was a star, earning all-American honours three times during her four year career with the Mustangs. More importantly, the move away from home allowed her to find her comfort zone.
“It really allows you to grow up, honestly, and figure things out for yourself. It was hard and a hard transition, but I’m really happy that I did it,” said Nicol. “Probably this year is the time I’ve felt the most comfortable with where I’m at.”
Now Nicol is reaping the rewards of her training. She finished first at the Canadian Pan Am Games trials in the 100-metre breaststroke, earning an invitation to Toronto as part of team Canada.
“Being able to wear the maple leaf on your cap and representing Canada and getting all the gear and being able to be, like, ‘I’m on team Canada,’ it’s just incredible,” said Nicol with a beaming smile.
Her success has put her in the mix to potentially be part of Canada’s Olympic team in 2016. With her university career now complete, she says it is her goal, but won’t be devastated if she doesn’t make it.
“I don’t really like putting my life on hold for swimming,” she said. “After Olympic trials, depending on how it goes, I’ll have to re-evaluate things. But, definitely swimming has always been a part of my life and always will be.”
Nicol competes at the Pan Am Games on Friday, July 17.
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