Nichola Osborne studied Physiological Sciences at University College between 2002-2005. She is hoping to compete in volleyball for Great Britain.
I started playing volleyball at school. I used to play a lot of different sports but enthusiastic players and coaches inspired me to commit to volleyball. It’s had a huge impact on me personally and as an athlete.
Historically, volleyball has not been a major sport in Great Britain. Over the coming winter 18 squad players are based with different professional teams in Europe or in the NCAA Basketball All-American teams. I am based in Switzerland. We are constantly monitored by GB coaches and trials will begin again next April/May. Ultimately, 12 players will make the Olympic team.
The biggest challenge for the team has been funding cuts over the last few years which have presented difficulties to our preparation. In this year’s build up we would ideally be together as a team. We’ve done what we can to limit this impact and continue to reach our maximum potential.
On most week days we train for four to six hours. This includes strength or interval metabolic sessions followed by one or two court sessions. It varies depending on the number of matches that week – typically between one and three.
At Oxford I was training a lot, but nowhere near the intensity that I am now. It’s an inspiring place to combine academic study and sport. However, it wasn’t until I went on to study medicine at Sheffield, and then started at the full time training centre, that I really appreciated the dedication of the Blues rowers and swimmers with their early morning sessions!
The challenge of combining lectures and training became much more difficult. While I had to be more efficient, they both helped me to switch off from the other, stay focussed and keep some much needed perspective! Above all, having a team full of banter was the best motivator on even the darkest and busiest of winter mornings. I am pleased to have graduated and have the duration of this academic year to focus 100 per cent on volleyball.
To be part of the Olympic team would be the greatest sporting honour. This whole journey has also been about building volleyball in this country and trying to help secure a legacy for future athletes to have access at the highest level. We hope that come next summer we will be able to put British volleyball on the map and create some enthusiasm among home grown players.
Time in Oxford goes too quickly. It is full of people who are masters of their own skills and I was always amazed by the additional hidden talents. It is a great opportunity to learn and be inspired. My tutors and college instilled a confidence in me that has helped me ever since. I was fortunate to meet Sir Roger Bannister who left me with the lasting impression that academics and sport go perfectly hand in hand. He is definitely a British Olympic hero of mine, along with more recently Sir Chris Hoy for his sheer dedication and lack of complacency.
