Episode 5: Defying Doctors Orders To Become a Serial Athlete - Feat. Niki Zager

Nicole was born in Salt Lake City, 1988. She moved with her family to San Diego at the age of 5. She was raised a tomboy, growing up playing sports such as soccer and softball. However, at the age of 7 she was diagnosed with Legg Calve Perthes Disease and was told she would never be able to run, do gymnastics, or any sort of high impact or weight lifting sports. Niki had the choice of a hip replacement, spica cast for 6 months or crutches and physical therapy for 3 years. Niki and her family flew around the country to 10 different doctors, until they found one that said there was a possibility of recovery if she followed the demanding protocol of crutches, physical therapy and swimming daily for three years. Of course Niki went on to become a competitive swimmer, as she couldn’t hold back the desire to be her best in everything she does. All she needed to hear was “possible”. Her family stood by her side, and her father carried her in their three-story home and did physical therapy with her every night for 3 years. She is the only known patient ever to have escaped the disease without surgery. Niki decided to take full advantage of her new strength and wanted to prove the doctors wrong, so she went directly into gymnastics, which lead to her love for cheerleading. She was captain of her cheer team at La Jolla High School, performed in the Orange Bowl, and also took up drama with some leading roles such as “Anne Frank”, as she loves to entertain and be on stage. Niki went on to study Psychology and Drama at UC Irvine not knowing yet exactly what she wanted to be, but knowing she wanted to understand the mind better and help people live a happier life on a large scale. Since the doctors had also told her she’d never be able to run again, she knew she had to prove them wrong once again. Niki went on to do a 3 day 60 mile Breast Cancer Walk and and multiple charity triathlons. She also learned how to box and fell in love with the sport so much, she started her own boxing business called BST Boxing (Blood Sweat and Tears) and taught boxing. After graduating from UCI in 2010, she decided to fulfill a lifelong goal on her Bucket List, to become a professional cheerleader! She auditioned for the Chargers, Ducks, and Kings. She was cut in the first round for both the San Diego Chargers, and the Anaheim Ducks, but for Niki “giving up” has never been an option. She persisted (got in better shape and learned how to ice skate) and succeeded in landing a spot on the L.A. Kings. Ice Crew!!! She cheered for them and lived in LA for 3 years, while also pursuing acting in LA. During her last season on the Kings Niki was introduced to the sport of body building by a boyfriend at the time. He also introduced her to whom would end up becoming her first NPC bikini coach and the person who took her in after a restraining order due to domestic violence. Her love for herself and healing from the abuse only grew exponentially as she trained for her first NPC competition. With all the strength, will power, persistence and drive it took to step on stage Niki realized she had found a very special sport. The kind that transforms you from the inside out and helps you see that we are all capable of ANYTHING we set our minds to. Connect with Niki Zager on Social Media https://www.instagram.com/nikizager/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZlNd83NZY3gZo9owXJZNnA https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=6027070 Connect with Sam Knickerbocker on Social Media https://www.facebook.com/ssknickerbocker/?ref=profile_intro_card https://www.instagram.com/ssknickerbocker/