Nicki Chretien heading into North Bay Sports Hall of Fame
At a very young age, Nicki’s involvement in the sport of gymnastics started at the YMCA. With the help of the Y Program Director, Nicki saw a need for an enhancement to the basic program that was being offered, and she was given additional space and time for the seven kids that were part of that inaugural program.
"From those humble beginnings, 50 years later, Chretien will be honoured with a spot in the North Bay and Area Sports Hall of Fame," the North Bay Sports Hall of Fame stated in a release.
''Although her involvement in gymnastics as a competitor was limited, Nicki has touched all the bases about the growth and development of the sport at the local, provincial and national levels," the release continued.
Her coaching career saw her have a significant impact on a multitude of athletes and the success that they attained is exemplified by the accomplishments of two of her prize athletes; Robyn and Erin Grigg who attained success from the local level through to the international level.
Chretien is on the 2025 list of inductees, which includes decorated Nordic skier Dave Nighbor, former NHL and WHA official Peter Moffat, and accomplished weightlifter Melissa Ladouceur.
Her coaching career commenced in 1975 as a youth leader with the YMCA which lead to her having an integral role in the founding of the Apollo Gymnastics Club; a club she was part of for 20 years in a variety of roles. Branching out, she formed North Bay Gymtrix; a program she has been involved with from 1998 to the present. Along with her club duties, she also served as Team Ontario Coach for the 2003 Las Vegas tour and the 2008 National Championships.
As an official, from 1977 -1992 she was a national level artistic judge, a NCCP Learner Facilitator for 32 years and a competition convenor for 31 years.
At the executive, Nicki has served her sport in a variety of roles including numerous positions on the Gymnastics Ontario Board of Directors for 32 years and the Northern Region Executive of Gymnastics Ontario for 29 years. In addition to her provincial involvement, Nicki was a member of the Gymnastics Canada working group for Long Term Athlete Development and the Business of Gymnastics subcommittee.
Her contribution to her sport has been recognized through notable awards, including numerous prestigious Gymnastics Awards for her contribution to the growth and development of the sport as well as her leadership, mentoring and dedication to the sport.
In 2002, she was the recipient of the Syl Apps Volunteer Achievement Award as part of the Ontario Sport Awards program.
Later this year, she will receive the Gymnastics Ontario “Gold Sapphire Crystal” pin recognizing 50 years of involvement in the sport.
Chretien-Mills was a YMCA kid with a vision who turned participation in recreational gymnastics into a career that significantly impacted athletes at all levels of competition.
Chretien will be inducted into the NBSHOF at the 45th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner on Saturday, May 2, at the Davedi Club. Tickets can be purchased through Larry Tougas at 705-303-8104. Tickets are also available at the Davedi Club by calling 705-474-4190.
