ASK NICOLE

What is the tattoo on your arm?

The tattoo is the Canadian maple leaf with the University of Michigan "M" symbol in the middle. It represents my love, commitment and proud affiliation towards both my country and Alumnator. Incidentally, this tattoo is one uniquely shared amongst other Canadian athletes who attended the University of Michigan including Kevin Sullivan, Nathan Brannen, Courtney Babcock and Nate Taylor.

You seem to enjoy competing, how or what could make you stop jumping?

I enjoy the high jump. In fact, never in my life can I remember a time when I enjoyed it as much as now. I LOVE the training and constantly look forward to practice. As such, I think I can see myself continuing to jump until the 2012 Olympics, or if training and competing is no longer fun or if I think I've reached a point I don't believe I can jump as high or higher.

Have you ever been injured before?

Yes. Unfortunately, they were 2 serious injuries which both occurred in competition. I planted my jump foot incorrectly in both cases and managed to tear my patellar tendon and all the ligaments in my ankle. The last injury occurred a month before the Olympic trials and was also a devastating blow to my ego. Sometimes the thing that takes the longest to recover from an injury is actually your mind?

How are you able to balance school and athletics at the same time?

It is challenging. Especially when studying at the doctorate level. I can honestly say, I've never worked so hard academically in my life. It really boils down to being organized, and efficient with my time. I cannot afford to waste any time, and so usually the social aspect of my life is sacrificed. Last semester I spread myself to thin with various commitments, so I am trying to make some changes for this year and onwards.

What is/are the biggest changes you've made in your training for the 2007 season?

Wow. Well, quite a bit, I guess. I've returned to train with my college coach, James Henry, and that's exciting. I've known him for such a long time that he understands me totally - as an athlete and a person. Cue words, are not difficult to develop, because I understand exactly what he means with the simplest remark. We have changed my run-up a bit and we've added a lot of drills and plyometrics in my training. Additionally, prevention of injury is important in my training. So, I receive a lot more therapy and we are cautious with overtraining.