Nicole Nielsen Idaho Gatorade Athlete

Borah High runner wins Idaho track and field athlete of the year award

Edition Date: 06/17/08

Borah High's Nicole Nielsen, who will be a senior this fall, was named Gatorade Idaho Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year on Tuesday for the second consecutive season.

Nielsen, who was also named Gatorade Idaho Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year, capped her junior season by defending her 5A state championships at 1,600 and 3,200 meters. Her victories helped propel the Lions to their fourth consecutive team title.

"Nicole is a wonderful young lady and a tremendous athlete,'' Boise High coach Dave Mills said. "She's on that scale with some really elite talent. By far, she's right there with any of the best kids in the state.''

Nielsen's personal bests in the 1,600 and 3,200 are 5 minutes, 0.73 seconds (2007) and 10:58.48 (2008), respectively.

In addition to her four state titles on the track, Nielsen has placed second at the state cross country meet twice, and in December she became the second Idaho girl to qualify for the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships.