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Ex-Newtonmore Primary School pupil Nikoline Laidlaw will be competing for Danish rowing team at 2024 Games





Nikoline Laidlaw (second right) celebrates earning a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games with the Denmark rowing team.
Nikoline Laidlaw (second right) celebrates earning a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games with the Denmark rowing team.

A former Newtonmore Primary School pupil due to compete at the Olympic Games this summer says it feels “truly surreal” to be going to Paris.

Nikoline Laidlaw attended the school in the 2004/05 academic year, and still has connections to the Badenoch area, before moving to Dunblane with her family.

It would be later on in university that would prove to be a turning point for Laidlaw though, as she tried out for the British under-23 rowing team twice without being selected.

Nikoline Laidlaw celebrates earning a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games with the Denmark rowing team.
Nikoline Laidlaw celebrates earning a spot at the 2024 Olympic Games with the Denmark rowing team.

Her uni teammates, though, included two Danish national athletes who put her in touch with the Denmark coach, with Laidlaw eligible through dual citizenship.

She immediately jumped at the opportunity, competing with the Danes ever since – and even getting the better of Great Britain at times over the last few years.

That progress has culminated in a first ever qualification for the Olympics in rowing, with Laidlaw due to take to the water in the women’s eights.

“I feel blessed that the Danish system tends to look after their athletes – as there are so few of us, it becomes a necessity,” Laidlaw said on deciding to switch allegiances.

“I also fit more into the system as there is a lot of constructive work between athlete and trainer, as in the athlete has a voice in decisions and great dialogue with the coach about training and technique.

“I’m looking forward to getting to compete on the biggest stage for my sport, as well as half of the Olympic opening ceremony and living in the Olympic village, where we will get to experience the true Olympics by being surrounded by some of the greatest athletes in the world.

“Finally being able to compete at the Games brings a whole mixture of emotions: excitement, anticipation, relief, validation and a smidge of nervousness.

“It’s the culmination of all my years of hard work, consistent dedication and never-ending perseverance.

“I also have an immense sense of pride being able to represent my country at the highest possible level. It’s a moment I and many other athletes dream of and it truly feels surreal and rewarding that I have managed to achieve it.”

When asked if there was a turning point in her development, Laidlaw credited her support system, adding: “Without my parents and family’s consistent support, I wouldn’t have been able to succeed in my sport as I have because there have been many moments where it seemed impossible to continue yet they have always been behind me every step of the way.”


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