Nicola Zagame

Details

Category: Water Polo

How did you become involved in waterpolo?

I always loved the water, and so when I was 12 my friend asked me if I would play with her and I loved it straight away!

Who is your sporting hero?

Lance Armstrong

Age you started in your sport?

12

Height, weight, age?

175cm, 73kg, 21 year old

Accreditations/degrees/qualifications?

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Diagnostic Radiography) at the University Of Sydney

What motivates you to continue in your sport?

Winning

What motivated you to start your sport?

I loved winning as a part of a team

What is your current business/job?

I am a water polo coach for Meriden Girls High School and I also work occasionally at Subway

Who do you play for?

Cronulla Sharks and the Aussie Stingers

People that have inspired you both in sport and life?

My parents, team mates and club veterans who have succeeded in water polo

Great experiences that have happened in your life?

I have been able to travel the world for my sport! It is something which other people my age dream of and I have been lucky enough to be able to see the world with teammates!

Your interests and hobbies?

I like arts and crafts, surfing and reading

One tip or quote that continues to inspire you?

dont wish for it- work for it!

Family Background(where did you grow up) and Current Family

I grew up at Cronulla beach with my two parents and my brother. I pretty much spent all my time down at the beach!

What is your happiest memory?

Singing the national anthem in the line up when I was playing for the senior womens national team for the first time!

Who did you idolize growing up?

My big brother, I was so competitive that I was always trying to beat him. Also, I idolized the older girls in my water polo club who were in the national squad.. I used to train with them sometimes and would always try extra hard when I was passing with them!

Were you always one of the better athletes growing up?

I was always good at sport, I would make the final but would rarely win. I think that's what has pushed and motivated me as a person through life.

What is one thing you would share with the children wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Keep trying. Sport opens up a lot of wonderful opportunities and all the hard work is worth every minute of it!

How has being involved/playing your sport changed your life?

I have made so many friends and have been able to see the world through my sport. It has also taught me to be extremely discipline and organised and I definitely think that being a sports person has made me a better person.

Who has been your biggest supporter?

my parents!

Who has been your best coach?

growing up I had a coach Brew Falson who was always so supportive and who helped me develop my basic skills from a young age. Right now though the coaches involved in our national program are all so dedicated to us as a team and individually and are all chasing the same dream as us, so it is these guys who I would say are my best coaches!

Sporting Background and list of results/achievements?

FINA World Championships 2009- 6th place

FINA World Cup 2010- 2nd place

FINA World Championships 2011- 5th place

Favourite Foods/Diet you follow?

I love all food! I havent found a food which I hate yet! I dont stick to a strict diet but just generally like to eat healthy. I think a balanced diet is the way to go!

Your typical training split and favourite thing to train?

shooting and extra man

Worst injury you have suffered?

broken finger

What is the ultimate prize in your sport?

Olympic GOLD!

What do you find to be the toughest aspect of your sport?

Having to wrestle with the center forward in defence and then keep that same high intensity in our attack!

What is your favourite movie?

love actually

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

Noone remembers who was the best when you were 14 so stick with it and become the best when you are a bit older!

How do you deal with temptation?

To be honest I am not tempted by the party lifestyle that others my age fall into. So it is easy for me to say no to stuff like that!

What is your favourite music/band/song?

Jason Mraz, Amy Meredith, Jack Johnson, the Beautiful Girls

What is your biggest fear?

dying

Do you believe "never giving up" is the difference between making it and not making it in any sport?

Yes

Have you ever failed at anything? If yes how did you overcome this?

of course I have failed! just get back on track and keep trying

What inspired you to succeed?

Other athletes. Those around me who have succeeded in their sport inspire me all the time to become better!

What did you want to be as a kid growing up?

I wanted to be an Ironwoman and compete in the Nutri Grain Ironman Series!

Your future goals in your sports, and goals when you finish your sport?

I want to represent Australia at the 2012 Olympic games in London and win an Olympic GOLD!

What is your worst fear?

dying

If you could have dinner with 5 people who would they be?

My 5 best friends

What is one item you cannot live without?

tooth brush!

People you would like to thank?

my parents and friends. Love them all!

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