The Houghton-le Spring para shot put star, 30, is preparing for the World Championships in the Indian capital where she will captain the British team after being voted in by her teammates.
Nicholson bagged F35 Paralympic bronze in Paris last year after a string of near major medal misses at multiple championships.
And at the heart of that was a psychological shift which she credits with propelling her onto the podium, with Nicholson playing ‘I Spy’ between her throws in order to remain relaxed in the heat of battle.
Welcome to New Delhi 🔥
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That’s a tactic she will be similarly deploying at New Delhi’s 60-000-seater venue – as she hopes to emulate her exploits at the iconic Stade de France last summer.
“I’m probably one of the only people who plays ‘I Spy’ when I’m competing!”, she laughed, speaking from the pre-championships British training camp in Dubai.
“But it really relaxes me – we’ve done an awful lot of work on the psychological side over the last few years and it worked really well in Paris.
“I only started doing it last year – I used to sing in my head sometimes, but last year we tried some different techniques and what would help.
“I try and find a specific flag at the top of the stadium, so I can look around.
“I’m still there but not in the moment – I know I’ve done all the work I needed to so it’s just about being as relaxed as possible.
“I’m super excited to go out and be there – there have been some amazing performances there over the years so for us to get to showcase para athletics is fantastic.
“I really hope the people in Delhi get behind us and show us that support.”
Nicholson captains a 30-plus strong British outfit descending on New Delhi this month, with the team now sponsored by official finance partner Novuna.
The north-east star, who works as an engineer, currently lives closer to Chester-Le-Street, with her family unable to come out to the Indian capital but set for a bumper watch-along party back home.
Nicholson competes at around 6am UK-time next Saturday morning, with her Paralympic debut in Tokyo – where she came sixth – being watched by loved ones in the middle of the night.
She added: “My family are really looking forward to watching from back home.
“Everyone will be showing support, just like in Tokyo, and it will be fantastic for everyone to get to see it.
“As long as I’m happy that I’ve executed my throws well, I’ll be really happy.
“I’d love that medal but if I’ve done everything I can, I’ll be happy. I’ll fight all the way.”
Novuna is the Official Finance Partner of British Athletics and proud sponsor of the GB & NI Athletics Team. From everyday goals to world-class dreams, Novuna helps millions across the UK – backing British businesses, supporting individuals’ plans, and supporting British Athletics on the global stage. Find out more at www.novuna.co.uk
