DOCUMENT

14 | THE REVIEW JAN–APR 2023 Nikayla will find a way From swimming events to skydiving – there’s no stopping Nikayla Wood. By MELANIE LOUDEN Nikayla Wood lives and breathes by a simple mantra. “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” The 25-year-old, from Rotorua has athetoid Cerebral Palsy which affects the movement of her hands, arms, feet, and legs. She is in a wheelchair fulltime. Nikayla says talking, and everyday life, is “hard”. “I’m always fighting with body control, so I can get tired easily.” Nikayla describes herself as outgoing, with a good sense of humour and being very determined. “Never say to me that I can’t do that, because I will find a way.” She is also an adventure-junkie – she’s done a lot of jet boating, ifly-ing, skiing, skydiving and much more. “I love doing anything that you can do. “I like my sports, swimming, boxing and biking. I even do triathlon and swimming events.” She also attends art classes. “It’s my way to let go of everything else and it is my time out of all my sports.” Top: Nikayla Wood takes part in Tauranga’s Tinman Triathlon as a Team Biker. Above: A proud team of supporters, including her mum, are by Nikayla’s side.