Lincoln Electric Employee to Compete in 2012 Olympic Trials

On January 14, Nicole will travel to Houston, Texas to compete in the 2012 Olympic Trials Marathon event. Camp will run with more than 200 other U.S. hopefuls through the 26.2 mile course which spans across the Avenida de las Americas, located in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center. The course’s 8-mile loops were designed to replicate the course in London, where the 2012 Olympic Games will take place next August. The top three men and women finishers will comprise Team USA and represent our country in the marathon in London eight months after the Trials.

“I’m excited to run at the Trials. I’ve worked very hard to get to this point, and having the opportunity to run with some of the best athletes in the world is truly an honor.” Camp said. “If all goes to plan, I will run my personal best and surprise a lot of people.”

Nicole qualified for the Trials by way of her performance in the 2011 Cleveland Marathon, which she won with a time of 2:43.47 on May 15. Camp had only participated in two previous marathons, and this was the second consecutive year she finished first in Cleveland.

    (Photo By Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer)

"Cleveland is not a well-known Olympic-qualifier trials course," Camp said. "It's flat, which is great. A lot of people think the wind off the lake isn't conducive to the Olympic Trials, so they go to other races. I'm glad I ran this one."

As for what motivates her during training, Camp says that she draws inspiration from local runners who brave the outdoor elements of Northeast Ohio. “When I see everyday runners out putting in the miles, it makes me want to get out there too. Anyone can run in perfect weather conditions, but now is when the real, tough people are out there!”

Camp finds time to train while maintaining a full time job as a logistics specialist, working with both domestic and international vendors & clients at Lincoln Electric’s corporate headquarters. “Lincoln has been very accommodating while training for the Trials. I have a fantastic support system as well. Without my coach, Glenn Andrews, many different training partners, family and friends, I could never have dreamed I’d make it this far.”

As for what comes after Houston, Camp indicated she’s looking forward to taking a brief break. “I look forward to having some down time to enjoy the people and different things I have missed out on these past few months, but then I’m going to jump back into training and get ready for track season.”

“I am excited to get back on the track and run some shorter, faster times like in college.”

You can learn more about the 2012 Olympic Trials Marathon event and keep track of the results by visiting http://www.houston2012.com.