The 1-TDC Flyball Tournament of Champions isn’t just a competition — it’s an experience that brings together speed, strategy, and an incredible community spirit. Thanks to Nikki Atkinson, U-FLI’s livestream producer, fans across the country can share in that excitement and feel like they’re right there in the lanes, no matter where they’re watching from.
This year, we caught up with Nikki to learn how she got started in dog sports, what drives her passion for the U-FLI community, and how she’s turning technology into a bridge that connects Flyball fans around the world.
From Obedience to Flyball 
Nikki’s journey into dog sports began about ten years ago — not in Flyball, but in obedience.
“My first dog earned his Canine Good Citizen, and I got hooked,” she says. From there, she explored scent work and dock diving before life brought her to California, where everything changed.
“I started Googling dog sports near me and stumbled across Flyball,” Nikki recalls. “That’s how I met Alex Le. I joined his team, Fighting for Freedom, and it completely transformed my world. Suddenly, I had this amazing community — a whole new group of friends and a sport I could share with my dog.”
Three years later, Nikki is an integral part of that community — both on the lanes and behind the cameras.
A Tech Mind Meets Dog Sport Passion
As it turns out, Nikki isn’t just a competitor. She’s also a computer scientist and security engineer, which makes her uniquely qualified to tackle one of U-FLI’s most ambitious projects: bringing the Tournament of Champions to a global audience through high-quality livestreaming.
“It started pretty simply,” she laughs. “My family is back in Texas, and they wanted to see what I was doing. So I thought, why not livestream it? Then I realized other people really loved watching too — even those outside my circle.”
What began as a personal project quickly evolved. With encouragement from U-FLI’s leadership, Nikki ran her first official livestream for the Tournament of Champions last year.
“It was chaos!” she admits. “I’d never managed three rings at once, I was learning to use wireless transmitters, and there were little hiccups everywhere. But it was such a huge learning experience. This year, I’m taking everything I learned and making it even better.”
Leveling Up the Livestream Experience
For 2025, Flyball fans can expect a major upgrade.
“This year’s livestream will be fully HD,” Nikki says proudly. “You’ll hear the crowd cheering, see the dogs flying down the lanes, and even chat live with other fans watching at home.”
The 1-TDC Tournament of Champions livestream will be completely free to watch on YouTube and accessible directly from the U-FLI app. “All you have to do is subscribe,” Nikki adds. “When we go live, you’ll get a notification right on your phone.”
And for those who’ve never been to a Flyball tournament? Get ready to turn up the volume. “We want you to feel like you’re right there — barking dogs, start lights, everything. You might even go deaf at home,” she jokes.
Building Community Through Technology
Beyond the tech, what drives Nikki is something deeper — connection.
“I moved here without family, and Flyball became my family,” she says. “This sport has such an amazing sense of community. Through livestreaming, I want to share that — especially with people who might not even know Flyball exists.”
Her vision is to help the sport reach new audiences — agility competitors, obedience trainers, and everyday dog lovers — anyone who could fall in love with the teamwork, speed, and joy that defines Flyball.
“Dog sports often aren’t online,” Nikki explains. “So people who might be interested never get to see them. My hope is that by livestreaming, someone new discovers it, joins a local club, and finds the same kind of family I did.”
Families, Kids, and the Future of the Sport
As a longtime supporter of U-FLI, I’ve witnessed firsthand what Nikki describes. Families truly grow up in this sport. You’ll see kids who started in the lanes at age five now coaching their own dogs with remarkable focus and confidence.
“It’s incredible to watch,” Nikki agrees. “Some of these kids are already better handlers than I am! They’ve grown up surrounded by this supportive environment — learning teamwork, discipline, and patience.”
That sense of belonging is what makes Flyball so special. And it’s why initiatives like Nikki’s livestream matter — they allow more people to experience that community, even from afar.
Powered by Passion — and 1-TDC
At 1-TDC, we’re proud to have supported U-FLI for nearly a decade. Our commitment goes beyond sponsorship — it’s about helping these incredible canine athletes stay in top shape.
As Nikki shared during our chat, she’s seen firsthand how 1-TDC supplements can make a difference. “My older dog used to limp after training,” she says. “Since I started using 1-TDC, she’s been totally fine. It’s night and day.”
That’s why top teams across U-FLI use 1-TDC to keep their dogs performing at their peak — maintaining joint and gum health so they can run, jump, and play for years to come.
And yes — 1-TDC isn’t just for dogs. As I joked with Nikki, for those of us who are “a little older,” the human version (especially the pain cream) comes in pretty handy, too!
Tune In and Cheer Loud
So, mark your calendars and subscribe to the official U-FLI YouTube channel or check the U-FLI app for the livestream link. The 1-TDC Flyball Tournament of Champions is more than a competition — it’s a celebration of community, teamwork, and the incredible bond between people and their dogs.
As Nikki says, “I just want everyone to feel like they’re part of the action — whether they’re at home, in the stands, or running in the lanes.”
We couldn’t agree more.
See you at the 1-TDC Flyball Tournament of Champions — and online, in the livestream chat!
🎥 Watch the full interview with Nikki Atkinson here
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