Melanie Nocher represented Ireland in the backstroke events at two Olympic Games – competing in the 200 metres freestyle and 200 metres backstroke at Beijing 2008, and in the 100 metres and 200 metres backstroke at London 2012.

She was born in Co. Down and began competing for Ireland at junior level in 2001, making her senior debut at the European Championships in Dublin in 2003, aged 14, as the youngest member of the team. She trained at Ards Swimming Club and later at Loughborough University. A six-time Irish National Champion before the age of 19, she won bronze in the 200 metres backstroke at the European Short Course Championships and held Irish records in three events.

She competed for both Ireland and Northern Ireland at World, European and Commonwealth Championships. She retired after London 2012 and subsequently became a member of the Olympic Federation of Ireland Athletes Commission. Her journey to qualifying for the London Games was the subject of a Setanta Sports documentary.