In this instalment of our Women in Sport series, Irish Olympian Nicola Tuthill shares her sporting inspirations, goals and proudest achievements.
A rising young talent in hammer throwing who reached professional standard in just five years, Nicola Tuthill is a 21-year-old full-time athlete and student who recently won gold at the European U23 Throwing Cup, became a European Finalist in 2024, and competed in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Here she shares her sporting story so far.
Earliest sporting memory?
My earliest sporting memory is probably doing cross country when I was about nine years old. I just remember after the races having so much fun running around, supporting everyone and chasing my friends around the muddy fields!
How did you become involved in your sport?
I joined Bandon Athletics Club when I was around nine years old. My mom used to do athletics so myself and my two sisters wanted to give it a try. It wasn’t until I was twelve years old that I tried the hammer, completely by chance really. I tried it at the athletics summer camp and entered my first competition just for fun. I was at my neighbour’s daughter’s communion, joking about how I was going to try this event. My neighbour brought in an old hammer and said he used to throw and would coach me if I liked it, so it all started from there.
What message would you like to share with young women and girls interested in pursuing a career as an athlete?
I would say to try every event. You never know which sport or event is for you. If you enjoy something, then keep working at it and believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and lean on the people around you for support. Irish female athletes are really in the spotlight now, and the right organisations are identifying the potential that female athletes have and are helping them harness it. I am currently being sponsored by Mater Private Network. The support will allow me to travel to train and compete both abroad and in Ireland, as well as ensuring I have funds to help with coaching and equipment costs to optimise my performance. So, my main piece of advice is – go for it, getting started is the hardest bit.
Proudest moment so far…
It’s definitely qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games. Just being out there amongst the top people in the world in every sport was so inspiring.
The female athlete I admire most is…
Ciara Mageean because she has had so many tough years with injury and always comes back stronger and with a smile.
Favourite sporting memory…
I think the Olympic Games would also be my favourite sporting memory. The experience as a whole, with 80,000 people in the stands cheering everyone on, was amazing and seeing all the Irish support made it extra special.
Do you think there is still a stigma around women in sport?
Maybe a little in some sports, but I honestly wouldn’t notice.
What is the biggest barrier to driving visibility in women’s sports?
Women’s sporting events tend to get a little less coverage than men’s.
The biggest stigma/misconception that exists in women’s sport is…
I’m not sure, I think it’s pretty equal across most sports these days.
If I wasn’t an athlete I would be…
I am currently in college studying to become a secondary school teacher, so I guess that.
My favourite pre-competition meal is…
It depends on the time of day the competition is, but typically some variation of pasta with chicken or something similar.
My daily routine is…
Eat, train, college, study and sleep!
My biggest sporting goal is…
To make an Olympic Final.
Sports brands I love (Irish or otherwise)…
Nike!
Biggest splurge to celebrate a win…
Nothing fancy really – probably a nice dessert or something.
How do you mind your mental health?
Being honest with how I’m feeling about things and talking to my family, coaches and sports psychologist.
My three desert island beauty products are:
Carmex lip balm, sun cream and concealer.
I need 8 hours of sleep a night because…
I don’t function otherwise!
Confidence, to me, is…
Being happy and comfortable in my own skin.
How do you get over a bad performance?
I try not to overthink it too much as I am really hard on myself, but I will talk through it with my coach and then set out a plan for the next time and move on.
Lastly, why is sport such an integral part of community, on a club, local, national and personal level?
Sport is such an important part of life. You can make so many memories with friends, it’s amazing to see local people support one another. It was lovely for me to see the crowd that came out in my local village after I came home from the Olympics. There are so many benefits to sport for everyone on both a physical and mental level.
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