The Bathurst equestrian ace is one of Riding for the Disabled’s four nominations to the Australian Paralympic Committee to represent her country in Hong Kong/Beijing in September.

It’s a dream come true for the 28-year-old who had both her lower legs amputated after contracting meningococcal meningitis septicemia in 1996.

Nicole was also left with limited arm movement and no function in both her hands and wrists as a result of her illness.

But sheer determination and courage has seen her triumph over adversity.

With her focus firmly on winning gold at the Paralympics, Nicole, her mother and carer Margaret and trusty steed Nikshar Nomination (Nom) have moved to Melbourne to complete their preparations for Beijing.

They drove Nom down to Melbourne earlier this month to settle him in with new trainers before making the trip south last weekend.

“Hopefully this move to new trainers in Victoria will bring a new insight into our training and another step closer to Beijing by giving us the best possible preparation in the lead up to the Games,” Nicole said.

“It’s a scary and exciting venture all in one. But I’m very committed to do everything I can to succeed.

“At the moment I have no competitions planned during 2008 other than Beijing, due to the uncertainty created by horse flu, so I really can’t plan ahead.

“However, now with the move to Victoria there will be more competition opportunities as well as some of the competitions which they are trying to organise for the Paralympic team.”

Nicole said it was great to be announced as one of the four Para equestrian athletes to represent Australia in Beijing.

“It’s just so exciting,” she said. “I really hope I can do everyone proud,” she said.

FOOTNOTE: Nicole’s pursuit of excellence on the world stage at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing is an expensive exercise.

She is asking for help on the road to Beijing and needs sponsors to assist with the financial burden of the venture.

If you can help Nicole in any way, contact her on nicole@nicolekullen.com or call on 0418 258 039. All donations are tax deductible.