Helen Nicholls
Staff Profile
- Name:
- Helen Nicholls
- Job Title:
- Performance Director
As Performance Director for British Equestrian, Helen is responsible for its National Lottery-funded World Class Programme, across all disciplines and performance levels. She joined the organisation in March 2022 and has subsequently led teams to numerous championship podium placings, including golds at the FEI Eventing and Dressage European Championships in 2023.
Over 20 years of experience in elite sport began with a successful competitive career in sailing, where Helen claimed multiple national titles and international podium finishes, followed by a decade working for British Sailing in roles covering coaching, programme management and coach development.
In 2009, Helen joined UK Sport as a Performance Advisor, where she worked with various sports, including equestrian, to facilitate maximum medal return on investment and support World Class Programmes to thrive. This gave extensive insight into the requirements of a successful performance programme and how to achieve sporting excellence. In 2018, Helen became Performance Director for the Paralympic sport of Boccia, leading the team to Tokyo for great results including individual gold for David Smith MBE.
This summer, Helen will lead a team of athletes and support staff to the Paris 2024 Games, where the aim is to continue Britain’s run of success in equestrian sport.
Helen has two teenaged children, is a past horse owner and rider, and enjoys snowboarding and mountain biking.