Nicole
Esdaile

Nicole Esdaile, who was born with oculocutaneous albinism, began competing in goalball in 1999 and made her Paralympic debut with the Aussie Belles in 2012, the first Australian goalball team to qualify in 12 years.

Unfortunately they lost all four preliminary matches, placing fifth behind Canada, Japan, Sweden and the United States.

Next to qualifying for London, Nicole lists the highlight of her career as saving a penalty and scoring off the next ball against Greece at the 2010 IBSA Goalball World Championships in Sheffield, England.

Originally Nicole and the Aussie Belles weren’t selected to compete at Rio 2016, only receiving the call-up when Russia was banned from the Games due to widespread doping. There they achieved one better than London, tying 2-2 in their match against the Ukraine. However, the point differential saw the Australian team again place fifth behind Turkey, China, Canada and the Ukraine.

Off court, Nicole works as a policy advisor and enjoys supporting the Brisbane Lions and listening to music. At some point she would like to learn a new musical instrument

The Gap local describes herself as passionate, determined and friendly. Living in Brisbane with her husband Michael Sheppard, a fellow goalball player and member of the Australian men’s team, she describes getting married as the scariest and most exciting moment of her life.