South African skeleton athlete Nicole Burger has concluded a remarkable debut season on the IBSF World Cup circuit, defying expectations and firmly establishing South Africa’s presence in the sport. Competing against the world’s best, Burger has not only developed as an athlete but has also inspired a growing recognition of South Africa as a competitor in international skeleton racing.
A Season of Growth and Recognition
Reflecting on her 2024/2025 season, Burger describes it as a steep learning curve, both in terms of technical skill and the pressure of competing on the highest stage.
“I have learned a lot—not just in terms of my sliding ability but also in adapting to the increased pressures of the World Cup stage, with cameras, film crews, and crowds in full force,” Burger says.
One of the standout moments of her season came at her very first World Cup race. Hearing South Africa’s name called at the start line was a historic moment, drawing surprise and admiration from spectators and fellow competitors. Since then, Burger has noticed a shift in perception, with South Africa now recognized as a legitimate competitor in skeleton for the first time in many years.
While she qualified for the World Championships in Lake Placid, financial constraints prevented her from competing. Nevertheless, the fact that coaches and fellow athletes took note of her absence is a testament to the mark she has already made on the world stage.
Battling Financial Barriers
Funding remains one of the greatest hurdles in Burger’s skeleton journey. Unlike athletes from countries with government funding and strong sponsorship backing, Burger has had to carefully plan her season around a tight budget.
“I’ve managed to fund the season using my salary from the Royal Air Force, and I’ve recently secured sponsorship from the Royal British Legion for next season, which will help with travel and accommodation costs,” she explains.
However, with an estimated cost of €25,000 per season, her resources remain significantly limited compared to her competitors. While other athletes will be undergoing 4-6 weeks of pre-season training next year, Burger will be restricted to just 1-2 weeks. This disparity in training time places her at a disadvantage, but she remains determined to maximize every opportunity available.
Overcoming Personal and Professional Challenges
Burger’s season was marked by an unforeseen personal tragedy—her father passed away just a week before she left for her World Cup debut in South Korea.
“It was an extremely challenging and emotional time. Leaving my mom alone to deal with the grief was horrendous, but she told me I had to go—that it’s what my dad would have wanted,” she shares.
The weight of loss was particularly heavy at the St. Moritz World Cup race, an event her father had planned to attend. A former photographer for the SABC, he had always been there capturing her moments on the ice. Despite the emotional burden, Burger channelled her father’s memory into motivation, knowing he would have been proud of every run, good or bad.
Building Towards the Future
With the competitive season now behind her, Burger has turned her focus to off-season training. Her regimen consists of two daily sessions from Monday to Friday, split between speed work and strength/power development under the guidance of Semtex Systems. This structured training has already paid dividends—this season, she shaved 0.2 to 0.3 seconds off her start times.
In addition to physical training, Burger is also emphasizing mental preparation, incorporating meditation and relaxation techniques into her routine. She plans to participate in push camps at Bath University and in Europe to refine her start technique. Meanwhile, she continues to study the tracks she will compete on next season, ensuring she is as prepared as possible when she returns to the ice.
The Road to the 2026 Winter Olympics
Burger’s ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina. To do so, she must maintain a world ranking within the top 55—something she achieved this season—while also being among the top 11 nations allocated a quota spot. Every race next season will be crucial, as accumulating as many points as possible will enhance her chances of meeting the Olympic selection criteria.
Additionally, Burger has her sights set on competing at the 2027 World Championships, making up for the opportunity she missed this year due to financial constraints.
A Trailblazer for South African Skeleton
Nicole Burger’s journey is more than just an individual pursuit of excellence; it represents the rise of South Africa as a recognized competitor in winter sports. From the initial surprise of seeing a South African flag at a World Cup race to earning the respect of athletes and coaches worldwide, she is breaking barriers and setting new standards for the sport in her home country.
Despite financial limitations, personal challenges, and the odds stacked against her, Burger’s resolve remains unshaken. As she continues to build on her progress, her story serves as an inspiration—not only for South African winter athletes but for anyone striving to make their mark on the global stage against all odds.
With a historic season now behind her, the journey to Olympic qualification begins in earnest. And if this past year is any indication, Nicole Burger is more than ready to take on the challenge.
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