"A big, big opportunity": Brockton taekwondo talent Nicalas Fernandes eyes 2024 Olympics
The 2024 Olympics in Paris once felt like they were a long ways away.
But now fast-approaching, they don't even feel real for Nicalas Fernandes.
Once a taekwondo prodigy, the Brockton native was chosen by the International Olympic Committee to receive one of 10 scholarships offered to Cape Verdean athletes hoping to punch their tickets to Paris in two years.
“It hasn’t really hit yet, but it’s starting to sink in now," said Fernandes, a sophomore at Merrimack College. "It’s mind-blowing trying to understand how big it is, myself.”
More: Holbrook's Mike Ohan Jr. wins by knockout in Bridgewater 'Hometown Royalty' card
In receiving the scholarship, Fernandes was honored by the Cape Verdean Association of Brockton last month. He was presented the scholarship with local city leaders in attendance, such as Mayor Robert Sullivan, City Councilor Moises Rodrigues and state Rep. Michelle DuBoise.
“It was a very proud moment, a very happy moment," Fernandes said. "They basically noticed all the hard work I’ve been putting in lately.”
And by "lately", Fernandes is referencing his entire life.
He started training martial arts at age 6, first starting out with karate. Four years in, he transitioned to taekwondo at the age of 10. It was at that point he began competing in tournaments, both locally and around the world. He nearly qualified for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo during a run in Morocco a few years ago.
“I feel like I’ve been getting better and better, training in different places," said Fernandes. "Every competition – win or lose – I feel like I’ve gotten better. Any loss I’ve taken, it’s a learning experience.”
While the scholarship doesn't guarantee a spot in the Paris Olympics, it will help relieve some of the financial burden that comes with entering Fernandes' name in tournaments to potentially qualify, thus widening his chances.
“I’m just happy that everyone’s proud of me,” said Fernandes. “It’s just a big, big opportunity for me right now.”
Fernandes' athletic background doesn't just end at mixed martial arts, however. A former football player, basketball player and track runner in high school, he started his collegiate career at Dean College where he won a Eastern Collegiate Football Conference title (and received a championship ring) on the football team as a freshman wide receiver in 2019.
But now, all of his focus is turned onto his achieving his biggest of dreams.
“I’m just preparing for 2024," Fernandes said. "Hopefully I get there.”
What goes around, comes around
Through his training, the opportunities coming Fernandes' way have been well-earned.
But it's no coincidence that doors are opening for someone who gives back as much, if not more, than he puts in.
Fernandes and his mother, Nancy, formed the Nicolas Fernandes Foundation, a nonprofit organization which once helped rebuild a Mozambique orphanage that houses over 200 children after it was destroyed by a cyclone. It also sends school and medical supplies to Cape Verde, as well as fund fees and registration for local Brockton kids to play youth sports. He recently helped support the registration of kids interested in playing for the Brockton Raiders youth football team.
“I’m proud to be from there," he said. "City of Champions.”
This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton Nicalas Fernandes honored with Olympic Scholarship
