The ups and even the downs of studying a brand new ability in volleyball is one in all Nicky Nieves’s favourite issues in regards to the sport. Nieves, one in all Group USA’s flag bearers for the 2024 Paralympic Video games, is a center blocker on the ladies’s sitting volleyball staff. She says the battle makes the success all of the sweeter.
“At first, it is actually irritating when one thing new is launched otherwise you’re making an attempt to execute a brand new ability,” Nieves says. “However then when it does come collectively and it is efficient and it really works and also you get factors—regardless if it is a block, a kill, or no matter it’s—I really like the way it simply all comes collectively in play.”
Specialists In This Article
- Nicky Nieves, Paralympic gold medalist, flag bearer, and sitting volleyball participant
Perspective on how far she’s come permits Nieves to relish that feeling on the court docket—however that’s additionally true for Nieves’s Paralympics journey as a complete. Whereas Nieves was on the gold medal-winning staff for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Video games, she skipped the Tokyo Video games in 2021 attributable to COVID.
That prompted her to reassess the function of sport in her life within the context of her psychological well being. Did she need to retire? Was touring the world to compete actually what was greatest for her? Nieves has based a nonprofit, referred to as Limitless Individuals, devoted to volleyball inclusivity and teaches volleyball to individuals with limb variations through the summers. Her advocacy is a part of what made Group USA choose her as flag bearer for the 2024 Video games. However she had to verify enjoying in Paris nonetheless labored for her.
“I’ve all the time felt blessed to have the ability to journey and compete with my staff, however this one simply feels particular in a way that something may be taken away from you and something can occur. All the celebrities aligned, and it’s simply additional proof that I used to be delayed, however not denied.” —Nicky Nieves
Finally, Nieves determined to proceed competing, and he or she’s so glad she did. The truth is, her not taking part within the Tokyo Video games, after which taking the years in between to make a proactive alternative about Paris, is a part of what’s making these Paralympic Video games so gratifying.
“I’ve all the time felt blessed to have the ability to journey and compete with my staff, however this one simply feels particular in a way that something may be taken away from you and something can occur,” Nieves says. “All the celebrities aligned, and it’s simply additional proof that I used to be delayed, however not denied.”
Now, Nieves is ensuring she’s feeling and looking on level as she and her staff will get after these factors on the court docket. This is how.
1. She ensures her make-up will keep put
Nieves calls herself a “make-up lady in my sport,” so figuring out that her make-up will “keep on by means of the sweat,” as she places it, is a vital a part of Nieves’ preparation.
A few of her favorites are One/Dimension On ‘Til Daybreak setting spray, Make-up Revolution Sport Repair setting spray (which particularly makes a product for sports activities), or Mehron’s barrier spray—one in all Nieves’s present favorites as a result of it’s made for theater actors who’ve related sweat-fighting wants.
2. She chooses a vanilla-scented fragrance
“I’m a vanilla lady once I’m enjoying,” says Nieves, so naturally she has some go-to scents for her fragrant aura. For fragrance, she loves Billie Eilish Eau de Parfum or The 7 Virtues’ Vanilla Woods. For a physique oil, she opts for Nemat’s Vanilla Musk or Al Rehab’s Choco Musk.
3. She will get her head within the sport
Nieves turns inward for a while alone earlier than video games with the intention to construct give attention to the court docket. For that, her telephone and her Airpods assist set the temper.
“I’ve to have some sort of music simply to get me within the zone,” Nieves says. Whereas listening to music, she additionally will get centered along with her Bible app, or tunes out the world with a puzzle sport. She’s presently having fun with the cell puzzle sport referred to as 2048. “That sort of retains me engaged whereas we’re heading over,” Nieves says. “I do not actually must assume within the puzzle, however I am simply centered on it.”
Seeking to get within the zone your self? Try Nicely+Good’s playlist of the last word pump-up songs, in response to Olympians.
