I’ve always been a fighter.

I survived abuse as a young gymnast. I started judo simply because I was told it wasn’t for girls. My refusal to quit judo after I got into Harvard University, resulted in my being disowned at 19 years old. With zero financial or familial support, I worked full-time minimum-wage jobs for years while balancing my college classes and funding myself on the international circuit.

 

At 23, I graduated on Harvard’s Dean’s List with my bachelor’s degree while also taking my place as the top US athlete in my division. Now at 27, I have defended my US National title and #1 ranked spot successfully for the last four consecutive years, have earned 22 international medals on the Olympic circuit, and have recovered from several significant surgeries.
With your help, I look forward to achieving my next greatest accomplishment. Achieving the Olympic dream.

 

Overcoming challenges has fueled my passion for giving back. I take pride in serving as an Athlete Representative in my sport for several years, ensuring that athletes, particularly women, have a voice that is being heard. I played a key role in creating the first-ever athlete advisory committee for judo and have been a consistent, avid advocate of increased transparency and accountability from our governance. 
 

Going to the Olympics isn’t just a personal goal; it’s a fitting end to a story of perseverance and passion that I hope will inspire the next generation to not only unapologetically chase their dreams, but to be bold enough to set that bar even higher.

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Nicole Stout-Berliner