Determined to gain the benefits of high altitude, Tom Nicholls set up camp inside the Club’s altitude chamber for 14 days.

Missing out on the Gold Coast SUNS’ 2XU High Performance Camp in Arizona to undergo knee surgery, Nicholls was forced to stay on the Gold Coast with rehabilitating partner Rory Thompson, while the rest of his team boarded the flight over the Pacific Ocean for their third annual altitude camp.

Seeking special approval from Stephen Schwerdt, Nicholls was granted permission to work out at the Club’s training facilities and sleep in the altitude room throughout the Club’s stay in Flagstaff.

The 201cm Gold Coaster spent 12 hours a night in the recovery facility, equipped with bedding, television and an XBOX 360.

“It was something we did last year and it worked really well, so we decided to do it again since he couldn’t travel,” Schwerdt said.

While the “sleep high, train low” theory is highly debated in the high performance industry, the results paid huge dividends for Trent McKenzie, Seb Tape and Aaron Hall, with the Gold Coasters going on to produce superb campaigns after sleeping in the altitude room during the 2012 pre-season.

“The whole idea behind doing it is a lot of the research now suggests that just being at altitude has a huge benefit and that training at altitude is an added-on benefit.

“Trent, Seb and Aaron all did it last year in February after limited pre-seasons, and all went on to play pretty good season.”

When speaking exclusively to goldcoastfc.com.au, Nicholls said he was thrilled at the unique opportunity to train at sea level but still expose himself to high altitude.

“Although I would have much preferred to be training alongside the boys, it’s been great to gain some of the benefits of altitude recovery,” Nicholls said.

Expected to resume full training with the main group before the Christmas break, Schwerdt said Nicholls would still be in for a strong summer of training.

“Tommy is not that far away, and is close to joining in on the main training group soon.”