Why Is Nicoll Shocked by 18th Place in the Olympics Monobob?

Adele Nicoll, the first woman to represent Great Britain in monobob at the Winter Olympics, expressed her disappointment after finishing in 18th place at Milan-Cortina. Her performance in the final round was not reflective of her skills, and she plans to focus on the two-woman bobsleigh event next. In contrast, Mica Moore, competing for Jamaica, celebrated her 14th-place finish, highlighting her journey and resilience.

Last updated: 15 February 2026 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina have seen Great Britain's Adele Nicoll face a challenging monobob event, concluding her journey with an 18th-place finish. Despite starting strong, Nicoll's final run was disappointing, leading her to reflect on her experience as a pilot. Meanwhile, Mica Moore has found joy and pride in her performance as she competes for Jamaica, marking a significant turnaround after leaving Team GB. Both athletes illustrate the emotional highs and lows that accompany Olympic competition.

Key takeaways

Adele Nicoll finished in 18th place, expressing deep disappointment in her final run.
Mica Moore, competing for Jamaica, finished 14th and shared her journey of resilience.
Both athletes are looking ahead to future competitions, with Nicoll focusing on the two-woman bobsleigh.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to the Winter Olympics for Adele Nicoll and Mica Moore has been shaped by various milestones:

2022: The monobob event debuted at the Winter Olympics in Beijing.
2023: Adele Nicoll becomes the first British woman to compete in monobob.
14 February 2026: Nicoll finishes the monobob event at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
14 February 2026: Mica Moore finishes 14th in the same event, competing for Jamaica.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Adele Nicoll's final heat time of 1:01.03 was the slowest of her round, contributing to her overall time of 4:01.86. This performance has led her to reassess her abilities and focus on future events.

What was already established

Nicoll has been a prominent figure in British athletics, being a three-time British shot put champion. Her transition to bobsleigh has been marked by a desire to compete at the highest levels, culminating in her Olympic debut.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The performance of athletes like Nicoll and Moore can inspire national pride and interest in winter sports. This may lead to increased support for funding and participation in these sports across the UK.

Businesses and jobs

The Olympics often stimulate local economies through tourism and related business opportunities. As interest grows in winter sports, local clubs and organisations may see increased engagement.

Policy and regulation

Increased visibility for athletes may prompt reviews of funding and support systems for winter sports in the UK, ensuring that future talents have the resources they need for success.

Numbers that matter

4:01.86 - Adele Nicoll's overall time in the monobob event.
1:01.03 - Nicoll's slowest heat time, which affected her final position.
18: The place Nicoll finished, marking a challenging debut for her in the Winter Olympics.
14: The place Mica Moore finished, showcasing her successful transition to represent Jamaica.
41: Elana Meyers Taylor’s age when she won gold, demonstrating longevity in competitive sport.

Definitions and jargon buster

Monobob: A single-person bobsleigh event introduced to the Winter Olympics, where athletes navigate a timed course.
Bobsleigh: A winter sport where teams make timed runs down narrow, twisting, banked, and icy tracks in a specially designed sled.
Shot put: A track and field event where athletes throw a heavy spherical object as far as possible.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Adele Nicoll will focus on preparing for the two-woman bobsleigh event, where she aims to leverage her experience and improve upon her previous performance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Looking forward to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Nicoll will continue training, aiming to represent Wales in shot put, while Moore may also compete in future bobsleigh events.

Signals to watch

Upcoming training sessions and competitions for both athletes as they prepare for their respective events.
Performance metrics from future competitions to assess progression and development.
Media coverage and public interest in both athletes as they continue their sporting journeys.

Practical guidance

Do

Support athletes by engaging with their journeys and encouraging community involvement in winter sports.
Follow the schedules of upcoming bobsleigh and athletics events to stay informed.
Consider participating in local winter sports to foster personal interest and physical fitness.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the challenges athletes face in their competitive journeys; support comes in many forms.
Don’t dismiss the importance of mental resilience in sports performance.
Don’t forget to celebrate the achievements of athletes regardless of their final standings.

Checklist

Review upcoming event schedules for the Winter Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Engage with local sports clubs for participation opportunities.
Follow updates on Adele Nicoll and Mica Moore's training progress.
Support initiatives that promote winter sports in schools.
Stay informed about athlete welfare and funding developments in UK sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

As the Olympics progress, performance can be affected by numerous factors, including weather conditions, equipment issues, and psychological pressure. Both Nicoll and Moore have faced their unique challenges, and while they seek success, fluctuations in performance are common in competitive sports.

Bottom line

Adele Nicoll's experience at the Winter Olympics reflects the highs and lows of elite competition, while Mica Moore's journey illustrates resilience and achievement. As they both move forward, their stories can inspire a new generation of athletes in the UK, encouraging participation in winter sports and highlighting the importance of perseverance.

FAQs

What is monobob?

Monobob is a single-person bobsleigh event introduced in the Winter Olympics, allowing athletes to race down a timed course in a specially designed sled.

How did Adele Nicoll perform in the Winter Olympics?

Adele Nicoll finished in 18th place in the monobob event, expressing disappointment in her final run, which she felt did not represent her capabilities.

What are the next competitions for Nicoll and Moore?

Adele Nicoll is preparing for the two-woman bobsleigh event, while Mica Moore may also continue competing in future bobsleigh events, following her success in the Olympics.