Campbell named Junior Sportswoman of the Year

Nicole Campbell's success on the water in 2021 has seen her take out the Nelson City Council Junior Sportswoman of the year Award at the ASB Nelson Sports Awards this evening.

"It's a huge privilege and I'm very honoured to take the award."

She said it took a lot of hard work and a lot of people behind the scenes.

Nicole made special mention of her coach Tim Babbage.

"He's been backing me the whole season and I don't think I'd be here without him."

The Nelson College for Girls rower came first in the Women’s Club Single Sculls – and the Women’s Club Coxless Quad Sculls at the New Zealand Rowing Championships.

After a successful season with both her club and school, Nicole was selected as a member of the NZ U19 Women’s Quad to attend the 2021 U19 World Championships in Bulgaria.  

Unfortunately, as with many sports events, this was cancelled due to Covid.

"It was pretty cool to be selected for that."

Her season also saw her take silver in the U18 Coxed Quad Sculls and in the U18 Double Sculls at the prestigious Maadi Cup regatta.

Nicole and Macy Kappely picked up their first silver medal in the Girls U18 Double Sculls and joined forces with Lucy Munro, Sophie Hawkins and cox Jessie Swain to take another silver in the Girls U18 Coxed Quad Sculls.

Her efforts also secured her selection in the 2021 New Zealand U19 Trials.

Nicole moved to Nelson from Christchurch in December 2020 and has enjoyed her most successful season to date which she credits to her new club.

"The culture and environment and the people I get to row with make a big difference."

Nicole will move to Texas in 2021 on a rowing scholarship.