In a world where winter sports are rarely associated with Africa, Nicole Burger has defied the odds to carve a name for herself in the icy, adrenaline-fueled realm of skeleton racing. At 30, she etched her place in history as the first South African female to compete in an International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) World Cup event. Her groundbreaking debut took place at the 2024/2025 season opener in PyeongChang, South Korea, symbolizing a monumental step forward for South Africa and the African continent in winter sports.
From RAF to Skeleton Racing: A Journey of Determination
Nicole’s journey to this historic achievement is as unconventional as the sport she has come to dominate. Born in Bellville, Cape Town, she relocated to the UK as a child due to her parents’ work commitments. It was in the UK, through her service with the Royal Air Force (RAF), that she discovered skeleton racing—a sport involving sprinting, diving headfirst onto a sled, and navigating an icy track at breakneck speeds of up to 130km/h.
“I tried both bobsleigh and skeleton during an RAF introduction day,” Nicole recalls. “While bobsleigh was fun, skeleton was wild—it’s a mix of control and chaos that hooked me immediately. Steering a sled down the ice, just centimetres from the surface, with nothing but your body and instincts—it’s unmatched.”
Nicole Burger's Historic Debut on the Ice
Her path to the World Cup was anything but ordinary. Nicole began her skeleton career in December 2021 with just five weeks of on-ice experience before competing internationally in the Europe Cup in December 2023. By the end of her debut season, she ranked 51st in the world, qualifying her for the prestigious World Cup circuit. In a sport dominated by seasoned athletes with years of training, Nicole’s rise was meteoric.
Yet, the challenges have been immense. “The biggest hurdle is funding. I’m entirely self-funded,” Nicole explains. “Sponsorships are hard to secure in South Africa, where winter sports lack recognition. But I’m determined to show the world that South Africans can excel on this stage.” Despite these obstacles, Nicole’s determination and passion for the sport have never wavered.
“My most memorable moment so far has to be competing in my first World Cup race,” Nicole says. “The atmosphere was electric, and representing not just South Africa but the entire continent made it incredibly special. It’s moments like these that inspire me to keep pushing forward.”
The Mental and Physical Demands of Skeleton Racing
Training for skeleton requires not just physical strength but also mental fortitude. During the off-season, Nicole’s regimen focuses on strength and conditioning and sprint work to perfect the explosive push start—essential for skeleton racing. Once the season begins, the emphasis shifts to mastering the intricacies of new tracks, a mentally demanding process involving analyzing every curve and potential reaction of the sled.
Each week presents the challenge of learning a new track in detail, from understanding how the ice is cut into corners to anticipating how it will affect the sled’s entry and the precise steering required in various scenarios. Reaction time becomes critical, as decisions must be made within mere meters of a corner at speeds of up to 130km/h. This meticulous preparation is what allows Nicole to maintain her composure and perform under the immense pressures of the sport.
Overcoming Challenges to Inspire a Continent
As a trailblazer, Nicole’s presence on the international circuit has drawn attention. From surprised reactions when her South African flag is displayed—sometimes even upside down—to expats cheering her on, her story resonates deeply. “People often do a double take when they hear I’m a South African skeleton athlete,” she laughs. “But the support from South Africans abroad has been heartwarming. They always make me feel at home, even on foreign ice.”
Beyond the ice track, Nicole’s life is equally dynamic. Currently, she thrives as a People Operations Officer specialising in Training, stationed at 22 Group, RAF High Wycombe. Her journey has been nothing short of pure adventure —before joining the RAF, she ventured into the wild plains of Kenya, running horseback safaris at the Borona Conservation.
Looking ahead, Nicole’s goals are clear. “I want to continue growing as an athlete, learning from every race. My ultimate dream is to represent South Africa at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina and compete in the World Championships in 2027,” she shares.
Nicole Burger’s journey is more than a personal triumph—it’s a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes in South Africa and beyond. Her story proves that with determination, resilience, and a bit of daring, even the iciest of paths can be conquered.
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