Alexandra Nicholson
The first woman competitor in the world to ever perform a “Triffes” – a forward triple somersault with a half twist – in competition. In just eight years of competing, Alexandra entered over 200 national and international competitions and earned the distinction of never being defeated. As a professional trampolinist in Rockford, Ill. Competing for Bob Bollinger’s Trampoline Town USA for six years, Nicholson won twelve national titles, several local and regional titles, and two senior F.I.T. World Championships titles on the trampoline In 2001, Nicholson was honored as the Greatest Woman Trampolinist in the history of the sport and was inducted into the Acrobatic Hall of Fame. inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame on August 10, 2002 at the Cleveland Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio.In 2001, Nicholson was honored with the title of “Acrobatic Legend” from the World Acrobatic Society. As she was inducted into the World Acrobatic Hall of Fame, Alexandra Nicholson was described as the greatest woman trampolinist in the history of the sport. She is also the founder of her cosmetic brand Mayan Secrets.
Bio
Alexandra Nicholson was born in Zurich, Switzerland to racially mixed parents, (her father Merickston is from Trinidad and Tobago and her mother Anna is from Knittlefeld, Austria). After immigrating to the United States, the family settled in Rockford, Illinois in 1965, where her father became the town’s first minority physician establishing a medical practice in Oncology and Internal Medicine. She was the only child of color in her school at the time and that is when her remarkable journey as a trampolinist began in 1968 in Rockford, Illinois. Under the tutelage of Bob Bollinger at Trampoline Town USA, Nicholson quickly ascended to prominence, capturing twelve national titles, numerous local and regional championships, and two senior F.I.T. World Championships titles. Her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport propelled her to unparalleled success, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in trampolining.
One of Nicholson’s most notable achievements was being the first woman competitor in the world to execute a “Triffes” – a forward triple somersault with a half twist – in competition. Her groundbreaking feat showcased her unparalleled skill and set a new standard of excellence in the sport.
Throughout her illustrious career, Nicholson competed in over 200 national and international competitions, establishing a remarkable record of never being defeated. Her dominance and consistency on the trampoline cemented her legacy as one of the greatest trampolinists of all time.
Beyond her achievements in trampolining, Nicholson’s athleticism extended to other sports as well. A former Miss Black Teenage America, she attended UCLA on an athletic scholarship, where she excelled on both the track and gymnastics teams. Additionally, Nicholson ventured into diving for UCLA and represented the USA Diving team, showcasing her versatility and athleticism across multiple disciplines.
After all the competitions and accolades Alexandra followed her father to Belize where she now resides, where she and her sister became involved in the “hands-on” construction of Maruba Jungle Resort. Located in the heart of Belize’s rainforest, Alexandra was exposed to many of the natural ingredients and remedies learned by the indigenous Maya people. Using this knowledge to create her line of cosmetic products, Alexandra developed Mayan Secrets and promoted the country by manufacturing skin and beauty products made from all-natural ingredients found in the Belizean rainforests.
In addition to being a World Champion, Alexandra Nicholson is the proud mother of one son Laurenzco, and a daughter, Magdalena.
In recognition of her unparalleled contributions to the sport of trampolining, Nicholson was honored in 2001 as the Greatest Woman Trampolinist in history and was inducted into the Acrobatic Hall of Fame. Her induction served as a testament to her enduring legacy and lasting impact on the sport, inspiring generations of athletes to strive for greatness.
Alexandra Nicholson’s journey from a young trampolinist in Rockford to an esteemed athlete and Hall of Famer is a testament to her unwavering dedication, extraordinary talent, and pioneering spirit. Her groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire and uplift athletes around the world, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of trampolining.