'Nicole was one of the guests of honour at BBC Sports Personality Events in both Newport and Birmingham. She was also on the list of contenders for public votes on both occasions.

At the Celtic Manor on Sunday 3rd she finished as runner up to World Champion Boxer Joe Calzaghe after phone and text voting on the night went right down to the last moment.

The pair were also on a list of ten candidates for the British award at the UK event at the NEC on Sunday 10th.

On this occasion the public vote went to Equestrian Champion Zara Phillips.

"It's great to be invited to ceremonies like this, and a real honour to be included on the short list alongside so many outstanding performers," said Nicole after the event in Birmingham.

"It's a great opportunity to talk to athletes like Kelly Holmes, talented achievers from other sports who you wouldn't normally meet."

"It also means an awful to me that I've had so much support in recent polls, and I'd like to say a very big thank you to everybody who voted ."