NICOLA SET FOR THE WORLD
Highton teen off to China
OLYMPIC destiny is in Nicola Gregory’s hands.
The Highton beach volleyball star is preparing for the under-19 world championships in China next week, with the 16-year-old in one of two Australian teams heading to the event.
Nicola is the third Barwon Sports Academy graduate to reach the world title level.
Australian under-19 representatives have had a history of going on to Olympic and Commonwealth tournaments and Vic Beach Geelong owner and coach Greg Jury said it was on the cards thanks to Nicola’s continued determination and enjoyment of the sport.
“You look at the under-19s six years ago and they’re Olympians, won silver at the Commonwealth Games and have had fantastic results on a world tour level, so Nic is definitely on that similar path if she persists,” Jury said.
“She’s a superstar and a really good kid and the Australian coaches obviously see what I see and she’s been selected. If you look at the participation rate, being selected for the world championships is a pretty big deal.
“I think because she’s been in the program for so long, her skills are exceptional and she’s got the right limbs for an elite beach volleyball player.
“She’s not an overly tall girl, but she’s got long, strong limbs and she really does suit the mould of an elite beach volleyballer.”
Nicola said it was great to have the support of the Geelong community and coaches here and in Melbourne to help fuel her Olympic dream.
“That would obviously be amazing if I achieve that. It feels a bit of a long way off but if I keep training and keep up the love for the sport I guess that’s an option for my future,” she said.
But for now the focus is on bringing home the gold in China after a gruelling selection process, which earned her a place alongside Lauren Taylor.
Nicola said she had added an extra dimension to her game in a bid for glory.
“I think I’ve been able to improve my aggression in the skills in my game, just in serving and spiking and I’ve been improving those in order to compete against the other countries,” she said.
Nicola’s brothers Tim and Jack also compete on the national beach volleyball tour.