Print friendly version

Spotlight on Racism

Sports People

Nicole Boegman

Nicole Boegman

What do you do?

Australian and International Track & Field Athlete - Long Jump; Australian Institute of Sport Track & Field Scholarship Coach.

How old are you?

34 years old.

Where were you born?

Sydney, Australia.

Where did you grow up?

Strathfield South, Sydney.

Describe your cultural/religious/ethnic family background

My father is Dutch (immigrated 1952). My mother was born in Australia (Chinese father and Australian/Irish mother). I was raised as an Australian with many cultural influences from both backgrounds. Anglican religion.

Do you know any other languages? If so what are they?

No.

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

I have travelled all over the world and have been to and lived in many wonderful places, but my favourite place to be is in Australia because it is such a vast beautiful country and so multicultural.

Have you ever experienced or witnessed racism? How did it make you feel?

I have never really been affected by racism, although when I was younger some kids use to make fun (jokingly) of my Asian decent. I witnessed some forms of racism when I lived in the UK for 5 years, but nothing that directly involved me. Ever since I was young I always mixed with people from various cultures and ethnic backgrounds and never considered them to be any different to me.

What did you do about it?

I guess when I was younger I really didn't do anything about it as usually the other person was from some other ethnic background themselves. I just brushed it off and didn't let it bother me, as I am proud of who I am.

What advice would you give kids experiencing racism?

I think that this is quite difficult to answer as racism affects people in different ways. I would just tell kids to be proud of who they are and to treat people just like they would expect to be treated.

What kind of Australia would you like to see for our children?

A place that people are proud of - as Australia is relatively young as a nation its identity is made up of many cultures, and children should grow up knowing the cultures that make us "Australians".