Nicole Freeman: What Makes It All Worth It

Background

• Nicole Freeman is a graduate in Human Kinetics, Leisure, & Sports Management from UBC.
• Holds an MBA in Sport Administration & Technology.
• Experience in organizing big events, including the Olympic Games.
• Currently, the Sport Director at Crankworx Events, Inc.

University Experience

• Exposure to a wide range of roles in sports: PE teacher, sport sociology, athletic training, executive roles.
• Impactful involvement in UBC's recreation and intramural organization as a student volunteer.
• Realized her passion for events over management or coaching roles.

Olympic Games Experience

• Dreamt of working at the Olympics, which she achieved.
• Noted the complex structure and limited impact in a large organization.
• Shifted to Crankworx for a greater breadth of roles and impact.

Crankworx

• Offers a closer connection to athletes compared to larger organizations.
• Appeals due to its status as a pinnacle event in gravity mountain biking.
• Provides a chance to work at an elite level while maintaining personal interaction.

Action Sports vs Governed Sports

• Enjoys both action and structured sports but highlights their differences.
• Mentioned flexibility and challenges in smaller organizations like Crankworx.
• Emphasizes the difference in experiences between action sports and traditional sports.

Women in Action Sports

• Acknowledges historical male dominance in action sports.
• Notes women are catching up in freeride sports but questions identical structures for men and women.
• Advocates for equal prize money and tailored support for female athletes.

Unique Aspects of Crankworx

• Dynamic, variable competition conditions make each event unique.
• Integrated men's and women's competitions create camaraderie.
• Differences in risk assessment and strategy between genders are acknowledged and celebrated.

Passion for Events

• Passion sustained by the people and the joy witnessed at events.
• Enjoys crafting memorable experiences for athletes.
• Emotion and story-telling are crucial elements of her work.

Conclusion

• Nicole's career reflects a passion for impactful event management and a commitment to equality and innovation in sports.
• Her experiences highlight the value of flexibility, personal interaction, and emotional investment in sports management.