Athlete Spotlight: Brandon T. Nichols
By Searrah Herendeen
Athlete Spotlights highlight athletes that are competing for the first time, or are a returning competitor. We want to showcase the diverse sports community the Meijer State Games of Michigan has helped create and grown with. Today’s Athlete Spotlight features Brandon T. Nichols, a snowboarder and 1st time competitor in the Meijer State Games of Michigan ski and snowboard competition, in Marquette.
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About Brandon:
He was born in San Luis Obispo, California. At six years old his family moved to Traverse City, Michigan. When he was 16, he touched a snowboard for the first time thanks to his friend. He taught himself to ride it and snowboarding has been a part of his life since. When he turned 18, he got a job at a small ski hill and described himself as, “The world’s worst snowboard instructor.” Now he is 34 years old and a part of two men’s basketball leagues, a co-ed hockey league, volleyball league and a soccer league during the summer.
Photo courtesy of Dustin Shoff
Why are you interested in competing in the meijer state games of michigan?
In 2010 before the Vancouver Winter Olympics, the Otsego Club Ski Resort in Gaylord, Michigan had many Olympians from several countries practicing on their slopes. After the Olympians left, all the tracks and equipment was left and opened to the public. The border-cross track was love at first sight for Brandon. He claims to have been there everyday, all day, and competed with, “Anyone who dared coming to the starting gate.” The track was only there for a few seasons, and Brandon hasn’t been on one since. When Brandon saw that the Meijer Winter State Games of Michigan had a border-cross competition for snowboarding, he couldn’t resist. He is excited to be surrounded by athletes of all level and personalities. One notable athlete that is scheduled to attend the opening ceremony is Nick Baumgartner.
how has snowboarding impacted your life?
Snowboarding opened up opportunities for Brandon to make new friends. While making new friends, snowboarding has also tightened the bond of old friendships. Brandon has experienced loads of laughter, and believes that, “Laughter accomplishes all.” I guess if you can’t laugh about a situation, you will have a harder time getting through it.
What do you think your greatest accomplishment is so far in snowboarding?
Sometimes the greatest accomplishments are the things that haven’t happened yet. Brandon considers never having a serious injury from snowboarding pretty great.
Brandon is thinking about trying out for the U.S Boarder-cross Team…but it all depends on how this competition goes.
Photo courtesy of Dustin Shoff
Any advice you would give to others that are wanting to start competing in ski and snowboard events?
First words of advice are, “SQUAD UP!” Get a strong support system that will be with you through all the highs and lows. Plus, snowboarding is more fun if you have friends and family that will watch you compete.
Second words of advice are to just enjoy your life. Brandon has confidence that competing in the Meijer Winter State Games of Michigan will help with that. Snowboarding may not be easy at first, but the more you do it and the more you compete, the easier it will become.
The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a multi-sport, Olympic-style event(s) that welcome athletes regardless of age or ability level. The Games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship and healthy living.
Interested in Ski and Snowboarding?
https://www.stategamesofmichigan.com/events/marquette/ski-snowboard2023
Interested in our Summer Games?
www.StateGamesofMichigan.com/summergames
Interested in our Winter Games?
www.StateGamesofMichigan.com/wintergames