No Fear: Nicole's Pursuit Of Happiness

International Para-cyclist Nicole Murray (26) Talks About Life On The Bike And Her Other World Deep Down In Waitomo Caves

- Steve Landells

I was raised in the small town of Ngahinapouri in the Waikato and aged five, I lost my left hand in a lawnmower accident. My brother and I were both standing on the side step of the mower, but after my dad went over a bump, I fell off and caught my hand in the blades. I recall lying on the ground, looking up at the clouds and Dad picking me up like a rugby ball as he took me to the ambulance.

I’m glad I lost a limb at such a young age because it’s much easier to adapt to such a change as a child. My parents treated me just the same as my other siblings and there was no way I was going to let my amputation get in the way of what I wanted to do. I learned how to water-ski, rock climb, play tennis and essential life skills like tying my hair up and cutting a steak.

I was never a great student and used to gaze out the window most days at school, wishing I was outside. After leaving school, I enrolled on a year-long course at an outdoor pursuits centre, and loved trying white-water kayaking and caving.