Mercedes Nicoll, OLY: A Legacy of Strength

Women’s History Month invites us to reflect on the incredible contributions of women in sport. It’s a time to honour the trailblazers who’ve not only shaped their disciplines, but who also inspire others through their resilience and leadership.

This month, we’re proud to share the story of four-time Olympian and passionate sport advocate Mercedes Nicoll, whose journey from young snowboarder to national leader showcases the power of perseverance, representation, and community in sport.

Mercedes was born in North Vancouver in a family that embraced an active lifestyle. She was skiing and figure skating by the age of three. But it wasn’t until her family moved to Whistler when she was 12 that everything changed. Just one year later, she transitioned to snowboarding and by age 16, she was competing at Junior Nationals and Junior Worlds.

From the beginning, sport was more than just competition. “I had a passion for going fast and for challenging myself,” Mercedes shares. “Sport gave me energy, confidence, and community.”

But the road wasn’t without obstacles. In 2014, during training at the Sochi Winter Olympics, Mercedes suffered a serious crash that resulted in a concussion. The injury left her sidelined from sport for two years — years spent re-learning how to talk, walk, and rebuild her identity. “That time really showed me how deeply rooted sport is in who I am,” she says. “It made me realize that I’m an athlete at heart, and I’ll always want sport in my life.”

Her return to snowboarding wasn’t just about getting back on the board, it was about regaining her strength and confidence. One of her proudest moments came during her final Olympic Games, where she landed a backside 900 during her last practice run, with her parents cheering from the bottom of the halfpipe. It was a moment of triumph—not because it earned her a medal, but because of the journey it represented.

“Competing for over 20 years has given me a unique perspective,” she explains. “Now, I want to make sport better for the athletes coming up behind me.”

Her leadership is grounded in lived experience. As a woman in a male-dominated sport, Mercedes remembers a time when she didn’t see many female role models. That changed when her mentor, Roberta Rodger, introduced her to a network of women in snowboarding. “It was a game-changer,” she says. “It helped me see that women belong here too—and in leadership roles, not just on the snow.”

Beyond the halfpipe, Mercedes has become a strong voice in athlete advocacy. Drawing from her experiences, she now volunteers with national sport organization, including Canada Snowboard and the Canadian Olympic Committee. She serves as an athlete representative, sitting on councils and boards to improve the sport system for future generations.

Mercedes continues to use her platform to inspire others. Through her podcast, DROPPING IN with Mercedes, she shares stories from fellow athletes and change-makers. She’s also part of Whistler Blackcomb’s Ski or Ride with an Olympian program, giving skiers and snowboarders the chance to learn from her firsthand.

For Mercedes, sport is a lifelong passion and one that’s constantly evolving. “Being an athlete doesn’t stop when competition ends. It’s about showing up, setting goals, and continuing to grow,” Mercedes shares.

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, Mercedes reminds us of the strength found in vulnerability, the power of mentorship, and the value of staying true to your passion. Her story shows that sport is not just about medals, it’s about impact, identity, and creating space for others to thrive.