Netball: Just one goal in mind for Nicol

By JULIE ASH

Trying to pin down Silver Fern wing defence Lesley Nicol is a real mission.

The physiotherapist-turned-doctor, who is studying for a post-graduate certificate in athlete career education while planning her wedding, playing for the Sting and preparing for the world netball championships, does not have a lot of free time these days.

But despite all the going ons in her life Nicol, 30, says the world championships in Jamaica in July are her main priority.

"To be the world champions and lead the way would be amazing."

This will be Nicol's third world championships.

She was in the side that finished third in England in 1995 and second in Christchurch in 1999.

Neither are moments she exactly cherishes.

"I remember all the bad things from 1995.

"We lost to South Africa in pool play which meant we had to play Australia the next day and they beat us by one goal.

"It was extremely disappointing. We came home and vowed that would never happen again."

Unfortunately, the following event was almost as heartbreaking when the Silver Ferns losing to Australia by one goal.

"It is going to be quite different in Jamaica in terms of the heat, humidity and the crowd.

"We don't know what the stadium is going to be like so there are a few unknown factors."

Nicol's netball career started in the deep south when she was six.

Netball was not the only game that took Nicol's fancy as a youngster growing up on a farm outside Invercargill. She also played tennis, badminton and touch, was into horse riding and was a pretty good middle distance runner.

It was not until her first year of university that netball took over.

Nicol initially set out to become a doctor but moved into physiotherapy because it allowed her pursue her sporting career as well.

But after finishing physio she decided being a doctor was her real ambition.

As part of her medical studies she worked in Egypt last year and at Manchester United.

"It was a great experience at Manchester United. Just to see the amount of money and wealth, how their programmes are set up and their facilities."

And David Beckham?

"I probably found the facilities more overwhelming.

"Money was no object."

After 12 years at university Nicol completed her medical studies last year and now works part-time at Southland Hospital.

And along with that she is doing the certificate in athlete career education.

"It is good to keep learning," she says.

With 92 caps, Nicol is just three tests away from passing Sandra Edge to become New Zealand's most capped player.

And Nicol, who competed in the gruelling Coast to Coast race in 1999, is showing no signs of slowing down.

"You look at some of the Aussies and they play well into their 30s.

"I love my netball. I love the intensity of playing at the top level and the pressure. I love it when you are involved in a hard game and you come out and win it.

"And I love getting intercepts."

But come March next year netball may just have to take a backseat when Nicol marries partner Chris Rumball. No date is confirmed yet.

"I am kind of focused on the world championships at the moment."

Inside Track

* Born: Invercargill, May 9, 1973

* Lives: Dunedin

* Occupation: Doctor

* Height 1.78m

* Positions: WD, C

* Test caps: 92

* Career highlights:

1993-2003 Silver Fern

2000-03 Southern Sting

1998-99 Otago Rebels.