"Defeating Great Odds"
US National Championship
Lake Tahoe, CA

The stage was set, and all the right people were there. As I stood in the starting gate all I could think was this was my last chance. Being the last race of the year if I was going to have a personal best of top 7 this was it. Slalom is probably my best event and I knew it was going to happen right now. With so many talented riders in the field I knew it would have to be a good one to make it. All four of the 2002 Olympic team was there including the rest of the National team. I took a giant breath and ripped out the gate, I needed focus if I was going to finish this 70 gate course. This was the longest slalom course I had ever seen. Before I knew it I was half way down the course, the rhythm was perfect, my tempo was on, I was going for it. The finish line drew near and I was so excited because I did it I had the run I knew I wanted and needed, but I had no idea where I was sitting in the ranks. The next thing I knew my fellow teammate's are patting my shoulder saying wicked job Nicole you are are in 2nd! I almost lost my breath, wait a minute my goal here was top 7 and I am in 2nd! I thought they were playing a joke on me until I heard the announcer read my time , confirming my placing. I honestly, couldn't believe it ! Two more riders had come down and beat my time but still that put me in 4th place.

Trying to maintain my emotions I began to think, calm down I still have one more run to put together. It is the combination of both runs that count in this quick event. I ran inside the lodge to call my dad. I couldn't wait to tell him where I was sitting. While I was waiting for the next run to start I had a little lunch and tried to stay calm.

Before I knew it was time to go, second run was starting. Once at the top I prepared my board with special wax getting it all ready. Since I placed fourth I was starting 12th, they reverse the top 16 starting order. With the fastest people in the back.

Back in the starting gate I was thinking I can do it. I was actually more excited than anything else. I pulled out and just went for it, I knew that I was riding to get on that podium, I didn't care anymore about the top 7. I wanted to step onto those steps something I have never done at this level of racing. The run was going great, tempo, rhythm it was all there I could see the finish line in sight just 4 gates to go... but something happened. Just 2 gates from the end I flipped in the air, spun around on back and crashed right into the finish area. I knew I didn't disqualify but I thought I had lost it. I wait for the announcer to come on, it was only a few seconds wait but it felt like an hour .

" Prefontaine takes a crash but she moves into 1st place "

I was elated, I knew that the top 3 riders still needed to come down so I waited and watched. Here comes Clair Cettera a known slalom ringer, she came down with a smoking' run and beat me, moving me in 2nd place. Next Stacia Hookum a veteran racer and close friend, she came down with a perfect run and took me also. I am in 3rd now and the fastest girl of the day Rosey Fletcher is on course, Rosey, a rider who has a silver medal from a World Championship in Slalom. Trying to be hopeful, I waited and watched but I had never seen Rosey make a mistake in Slalom ever. As she was coming out she blows out of the course!
I couldn't believe it, I did it, I finished 3rd. I was on the podium! Hugging my good friend I almost cried I was so happy. I borrowed a cell phone and called my dad.

I stepped up on the podium and received my trophy A giant Disco Ball and a check!! Yes I won a little money, which worked out wel, it covered all my expenses for the race. Driving home I felt great, all in all a feeling in sports I will never forget, I had the moment I always wanted.

Thanks to all my friends
and family who have supported me over the years!

For more stories click here

PROFILE

"I believe in working hard to attain my goals in life. This dedication is evident in my pursuit of finishing my college education and starting my own design business. Still focusing on my intense snowboard training and competition schedule, I hope to achieve athletic excellence in a sport still new to the Olympics. I also want to help pave the way for other female athletes who wish to pursue their goals and gain respect in female competition. I feel I will be an excellent role model for the youth of today."

BORN: April 13,1978

HOMETOWN: Mattapoisett, MA

NICKNAME: Shrimpy

YEARS SNOWBOARDING: 8 (4 years in competition)

EDUCATION: BA in Graphic Design and Marketing - Plymouth State College OCCUPATION: Freelance graphic design (Precision Design)

SPECIAL THANKS: Without the support from my friends and family I would not be racing today, my Dad Charlie Prefontiane is my biggest supporter. Thanks Dad! Also all of my friends and family at home that supported my fundraiser "Open House" last December. Your Support helped me continue racing. Davidi Gilo a special thank you!

SPONSORS: Carrera, Volkl Snowboards, Sun Graphic - Web Hosting- THANK YOU!

GOALS: Long-term - I think it is every athletes dream to one day represent their country at the Olympic games. I do not fall far from that dream. Being an Olympic athlete is my goal in life, one I hope to achieve. Short term - This season I hope to make the next step in my level of riding. In result gaining myself a world cup spot for next season.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS / AWARDS:

Team Mission Ridge Outstanding Rider of the Year 2001

Snowboardnetwork.com's Rider of the Week 2000

American Snowboard Tour (2001) Parallel GS 3rd overall 2nd U.S.

United States Board Frenzy Tour (2001) Parallel GS 4th overall 4th U.S.

Canadian Nationals ( 2001) Giant Slalom 6th overall 1st U.S.

US Nationals (2001) Slalom 9th overall 7th United States

US Chevy Grand Prix ( 2001) Giant Slalom 12th overall 5th U.S.

Continental Cup (2000) Giant Slalom 4th overall1st United States

USASA GIANT SLALOM NATIONAL CHAMPION (2000)

USASA Nationals (2000) Overall Racing 1st overall 1st United States

US Open (1999) Parallel GS 20th overall 3rd United States