The World’s Only Viking With A CT Trophy

“Never walk away from home ahead of your axe and sword. You can’t feel a battle in your bones or foresee a fight” reads a quote from The Havamal, also known as the Book of Viking Wisdom.

Though Isabella Nichols shining smile is a far cry away from the scowling bearded faces we associate with the vikings of lore, last year’s Margaret River Champion can lay claim to quite a bit of Nordic warlord DNA.

Born in Denmark, Bella wears a tattoo of a viking ship on her arm and her home flag on her sleeve, both reminders of her ancestral heritage amidst the seafaring masters of the northern realm.

Though she narrowly got cut this year, Bella leads the Challenger Series rankings — courtesy of a win at Narrabeen — and will more than likely return to valor on the CT next year.

Above, get to know her a bit better under the warm sun of the subtropical Australian beaches she calls home.