John Patrick Nicholson (July 30, 1889 – April 2, 1940) was an American track and field athlete who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics. He ran in the final of the 110 meter hurdles competition but fell and did not finish the race. He also participated in the high jump event but was not able to clear a height.^[1]

After finishing his athletics career, Nicholson went on to become a track coach. He coached at DePauw University, Sewanee:The University of the South, Rice University, and the University of Notre Dame. He died suddenly on April 2, 1940.^[2]