Nicola Scaife facts for kids
Scaife in Leszno, 2014
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| Born | 1984/1985 (age 39–40) Albury, New South Wales, Australia |
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Medal record
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Nicola Scaife is an amazing Australian hot air balloon pilot. She was born in 1984 or 1985. Nicola is famous for winning the top women's hot air balloon championship not just once, but twice! She won in 2014 and again in 2016.
Nicola Scaife's Journey to the Sky
Nicola Scaife grew up in Albury, a town in New South Wales, Australia. When she was a teenager, Nicola was a talented athlete. She even represented Australia in marathon kayaking! Sadly, an injury stopped her from continuing in the sport.
Discovering Hot Air Ballooning
After her injury, Nicola went on a hot air balloon flight with her mother. She loved the experience! This flight sparked her interest in the world of ballooning. She decided to work for a hot air balloon company. At first, she helped with office tasks and support roles. But soon, she started learning to fly.
In 2006, Nicola began her flight training. By 2007, she earned her private pilot's license. Later, she became a commercial pilot. This meant she could fly balloons for a living!
Becoming a World Champion
Nicola's first hot air balloon competition was in 2013. It took place in Canowindra, New South Wales. Just one year later, in 2014, she competed in the very first women's world championship event. This competition was held in Leszno, Poland. Even though it was only her fourth competition, Nicola won the gold medal!
In July 2016, Nicola showed her amazing skills again. She successfully defended her title at the 2nd FAI Women’s World Hot Air Balloon Championship. This event was in Birstonas, Lithuania. She proved she was still the best! In 2018, Nicola won a bronze medal. This was at the 3rd FAI Women's World Hot Air Balloon Championship in Nałęczów, Poland.
Today, Nicola and her husband run their own hot air balloon company. They operate in the beautiful Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia.
