Brisbane’s Mark Nicolaidis, a proud Brisbane Boys’ College alumnus, is set to make his Olympic debut at the Paris Games, marking a significant achievement for Australian beach volleyball.
Alongside teammate Izac Carracher, the pair will be the first Australian men’s duo to compete in beach volleyball at the Olympics since 2004.
Nicolaidis’s journey to the Olympics started at Brisbane Boys’ College, where he began playing indoor volleyball at 14. His natural talent and dedication led him to join the Queensland Pirates, a dominant force in the Australian Volleyball League, where he contributed to four championship titles.
A Winning Partnership
While excelling in indoor volleyball, Nicolaidis simultaneously explored beach volleyball, partnering with fellow Pirate James Takken to secure bronze at the Commonwealth Youth Games in 2017 and compete in the Youth Olympic Games in 2018.
His beach volleyball career reached new heights in 2022 when he teamed up with Izac Carracher. Their partnership proved a winning formula, with the duo clinching gold in their first international tournament at the Gold Coast Beach Pro Tour Futures event. This victory paved the way for their participation in international competitions, including a notable ninth-place finish at the 2022 World Championships in Rome.
Nicolaidis attributes the team’s success to his strong bond with Carracher, both on and off the court. Their unwavering trust and support have proven to be a driving force, especially during challenging times.
A Dream Fulfilled
The 23-year-old Brisbane native acknowledges his and his family’s sacrifices to reach this level and expresses gratitude for their unwavering support.
Beyond volleyball, Nicolaidis holds a bachelor’s degree in property economics from the Queensland University of Technology and aspires to establish a career in real estate. His selection for the Paris Olympics fulfils a lifelong dream, and he eagerly anticipates representing Australia on the global stage. With his Olympic debut on the horizon, Mark Nicolaidis’s journey inspires aspiring athletes and is a testament to the power of dedication and teamwork.
Published Date 17-July-2024