Nicole Chillingworth

Darren Elms

When Nicole Chillingworth relocated to Sydney, Australia, at the age of 7, she encountered not only a new city and school, but also a rare opportunity to take her athletic talents to the next level.

A dancer since the age of 3, Nicole calls her transition to rhythmic gymnastics, a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, dance and apparatus manipulation, “a natural progression.”
 

“A coach saw me training, noticed my qualities, and believed they would benefit me more in rhythmic gymnastics,” remembered Nicole. “I tried it once and have loved it ever since.”
 

By the time she and her family returned stateside and settled in Rolling Hills Estates in 2002, the athlete had established a rigorous routine. “The closest training gym to us was about one hour away,” said Nicole, who balanced her sports schedule with academics as a student of the Chadwick School. “My mom would take all the kids in the car and drive me out to Culver City four times a week. My family made many sacrifices so I could compete.”
 

Nicole’s skill, presence and experience attracted the attention of the U.S. Olympic team, which was looking for participants in the London 2012 games. Though approached to vie for a spot, she declined the offer, as it would mean training in Chicago away from her family. Instead Nicole decided to further her education, enrolling this year as a Communication Studies major at Loyola Marymount University.
 

“Right now I look forward to enjoying my studies, friends, family and being close to the beach,” she shared. “That’s one of the best parts of living in Southern California.”