Nicole Burger describes representing South Africa at the Winter Olympics as a dream fulfilled and a fast-paced adventure filled with pride.
United Kingdom (26 February 2026) – When South Africa sent five athletes to the Winter Olympics, it was a historic moment. The largest team the country has ever sent! For Nicole Burger, being part of that milestone was a mix of pride, excitement, and a sense of achievement.
“It’s such a sense of pride, not only to just represent South Africa, but to see how far we’ve come over the last few years. Walking out with the flags, seeing athletes at other venues, and watching the videos afterwards. It’s a great feeling to be part of that and to show the world that South Africa has winter sports athletes.”
Even as she raced down the icy track in skeleton, lying centimetres from the ice at speeds of up to 130km/h, Nicole was focused and calm.
“When I started, it was more of a ‘get to the bottom of the track, am I still alive? Am I in one piece?’ Whereas now, at the start line, it’s enjoying the atmosphere, the crowd cheering, and then once the helmet’s on, it’s all concentration. Entering corners, steering, exiting, and thinking about the next one.”
Nicole finished 25th overall, but for her, qualifying for the Games was the real achievement.
“My first international race was only in December 2023, and when I started, the Olympics weren’t even on my radar.”
But she now looks back with various achievements under her belt.
“I was just learning the sport and having fun. Now, I’m the North American Cup circuit leader, podiumed multiple times, and competing at the Europe Cup. It’s been a whirlwind.”
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Born in Cape Town, Nicole’s sporting background is classically South African. You name it, rugby, athletics, and equestrian. But skeleton was something else entirely.
“I saw a poster for the RAF skeleton team trials while working in the UK. I Googled it, went to the sprint start, loved it, and after just five weeks on ice with the team, I was competing internationally. It was a crazy whirlwind.”
Now based in the UK with the Royal Air Force at High Wycombe, she’s currently in Norway training and competing with the RAF Skeleton team.
“It’s great to get time on the track, play with sled setups, and prepare for future competitions. After this, it’s back to the UK and then hopefully to South Africa to see family.”
Her advice to anyone feeling like they don’t fit a sport because of where they’re from?
“Try anything and give everything a go. Don’t be scared. Step out of your comfort zone and say yes to something completely different.”
Sources: GTG Interview
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