Nicole skates home with award again

Timaru's world champion speedskater took out the South Canterbury Sportsperson of the Year Award last night for the second consecutive year.

Nicole Begg fought off competition from junior New Zealand rally champion Hayden Paddon and Olympic cyclist Marc Ryan to be named the winner at the South Canterbury Sports Awards dinner at the SBS Events Centre.

Begg became a world champion in August last year when she won the 1000m inline skating track event in Columbia.

She also grabbed two bronze medals in two other events and was crowned the overall track champion.

The 20-year-old, who has been described as the world's most versatile woman speedskater, encountered much speculation about her decision to take her clothes off to raise the profile of her sport in New Zealand.

However, after baring all she then went on to achieve one the nation's most prestigious sporting accolades, becoming a Halberg Award nominee and finalist.

Begg was unable to accept her trophy in person last night as she is currently in Switzerland competing in the World Inline Cup marathon series.

However, following the recent "freak accident" in which she broke her jaw, the news she had taken out the award did improve her spirits.

"Yeah that makes me a bit happier," she said via a recorded message which was played at the awards last night.

Begg congratulated the other nominees, thanked her family and her sponsors.

"They have made a huge impact this year, especially alleviating the financial burden that a lot of sportspeople face."

She also praised the Timaru community for their support.

"It really makes your day when your walking down the street and a total stranger congratulates you," she said.

Begg's recent jaw-breaking accident has not only been the biggest crash in her skating career but also the most unusual.

"You don't usually do a jaw when your skating. Often the worst is a broken wrist or collar bone. It's a freak accident I suppose you could call it."

While her jaw is still closed she is able to compete, but experiences some breathing difficulties.

"For the next two races I probably wont be at my best, but I should still be able to make say the top five or top 10."

Tomorrow Begg heads to Wolvega, Holland for the third round of the World Cup.

"A new tough course with some cobble stone sections, that I would normally relish, but the vibration on the jaw, will not be so good.

"Its going to be a case of grin it and bare it, when the going gets tough, the tough get going," she said yesterday.

- © Fairfax NZ News