Can Nicoll Achieve the Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Double?

Adele Nicoll is making waves as a dual-sport athlete, competing in both bobsleigh and shot put. The Welsh athlete is gearing up for her Winter Olympics debut in Milan-Cortina on 15 February 2026, while also aiming for success in the Commonwealth Games later that summer. Nicoll's journey showcases how field athletes can transition to winter sports, demonstrating that determination and versatility can lead to remarkable achievements.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Adele Nicoll is set to compete in the Winter Olympics as a bobsleigh pilot, marking a significant milestone in her athletic career. After serving as an alternate in the 2022 Beijing Games, she is now ready to take on the challenges of the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. Nicoll has been training rigorously, overcoming a knee injury that initially hindered her preparations. Her immediate focus is on bobsleigh, but she is also eyeing a return to shot put for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later in 2026.

Key takeaways

Adele Nicoll is a dual-sport athlete competing in bobsleigh and shot put.
She will debut at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina on 15 February 2026.
Nicoll aims to participate in the Commonwealth Games later in 2026.
Her athletic journey highlights the transition from field events to winter sports.
Nicoll has overcome a significant injury to prepare for the Olympics.

Timeline: how we got here

Understanding Adele Nicoll's journey requires looking back at key milestones:

2022: Nicoll served as an alternate for the British bobsleigh team at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
February 2023: Nicoll began her transition to piloting the bobsleigh.
15 February 2026: Scheduled date for Nicoll's debut at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Summer 2026: Potential participation in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Adele Nicoll's recent focus has been on her preparations for the Winter Olympics, where she aims to make history as the first British woman to compete in the monobob event. Her training has intensified following her recovery from a knee injury, and she has achieved notable success in the Europa Cup, finishing with four podiums.

What was already established

Nicoll's background as a three-time British shot put champion has provided her with a solid foundation for her bobsleigh career. She previously finished eighth in the shot put final at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022, setting a benchmark for her future performances. Her athletic prowess and resilience have been evident throughout her journey, illustrating her capability to transition between disciplines.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The visibility of athletes like Nicoll can inspire young athletes across the UK, potentially increasing interest in both athletics and winter sports. As she represents Wales on an international stage, her achievements may encourage increased investment in sports programmes and facilities, benefiting local communities.

Businesses and jobs

Nicoll's journey showcases the potential for cross-training between summer and winter sports, which may lead to increased participation and job opportunities within the sports industry. The success of UK athletes in international competitions can also bolster tourism and local economies, particularly during major events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

Policy and regulation

The UK government and sports authorities may take note of Nicoll's dual-sport success, potentially leading to discussions about funding and support for athletes pursuing multi-sport careers. This could prompt policy changes that favour broader access and training for aspiring athletes across various disciplines.

Numbers that matter

4: Podium finishes achieved by Nicoll in the Europa Cup during her bobsleigh season.
20 kg: The amount of weight Nicoll lost during her transition to bobsleigh, improving her strength and speed.
7,000: Approximate population of Welshpool, Nicoll's hometown, highlighting her local roots.
8th: Nicoll's finishing position in the shot put final at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
3: Number of British shot put titles won by Nicoll (2022, 2023, and 2025).

Definitions and jargon buster

Monobob: A bobsleigh event where a single athlete competes in a smaller sled designed for one person.
Podium finish: A term used in sports to describe when an athlete finishes in one of the top three positions in a competition.
Europa Cup: A series of bobsleigh competitions held in Europe, serving as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Winter Olympics approach, Nicoll will focus on final preparations, including intense training and strategy sessions to optimise her performance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Olympics, Nicoll plans to assess her performance and transition back to shot put training, aiming for the Commonwealth Games and further developing her skills in both sports.

Signals to watch

Results from the Europa Cup leading up to the Olympics.
Performance metrics during the Winter Olympics, including rankings and times.
Updates on Nicoll's training and fitness levels as she prepares for the Commonwealth Games.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about Nicoll's progress through official sports channels and social media.
Encourage local youth to participate in sports by sharing Nicoll's inspiring story.
Consider supporting local sports initiatives that promote dual-sport training.

Don’t

Underestimate the challenges faced by athletes transitioning between sports.
Neglect the importance of mental resilience in competitive sports.
Forget to celebrate the achievements of local athletes on international stages.

Checklist

Follow training updates for Adele Nicoll leading up to the Winter Olympics.
Watch the Winter Olympics to support Team GB and Nicoll's journey.
Explore local sports clubs that offer bobsleigh or shot put training for aspiring athletes.
Engage with community events celebrating local athletes and their achievements.
Stay aware of health and safety guidance for athletes transitioning to winter sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Nicoll's journey is inspiring, it also comes with uncertainties, particularly regarding her performance in both sports. Injuries can impact training and competition schedules, and the pressure of competing at high levels can be significant. Additionally, the transition between summer and winter sports requires careful management to avoid burnout, necessitating a focus on recovery and strategy.

Bottom line

Adele Nicoll's dual pursuit of excellence in bobsleigh and shot put illustrates the potential of athletes to diversify their talents across different sports. With her Olympic debut on the horizon, she is set to inspire a new generation of athletes in Wales and beyond. As she balances her winter and summer ambitions, Nicoll embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination, showing that success in athletics can take many forms.

FAQs

What sports does Adele Nicoll compete in?

Adele Nicoll competes in bobsleigh and shot put, showcasing her versatility as an athlete.

When will Adele Nicoll compete in the Winter Olympics?

Adele Nicoll is scheduled to compete in the Winter Olympics on 15 February 2026 in Milan-Cortina.

What are Adele Nicoll's achievements in shot put?

Nicoll is a three-time British shot put champion, having won titles in 2022, 2023, and 2025, and finished eighth in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.