From finish line to centre court

I qualified as a physiotherapist from the University of East London and dreamed of working in sports but had no idea about how to get involved. My journey began in 2000 when I saw a link in Frontline for the TCS London Marathon and began volunteering there as a physiotherapist every year until 2023, when I was appointed as the lead physiotherapist, supporting more than 200 volunteer physiotherapists and physiotherapy students along the course and at the finish. I’m humbled every year by the number of colleagues who volunteer to represent our profession in such an enthusiastic and joyful way, offering vital support to the many thousands of runners taking part. 

In 2007, a chance meeting with the head of medical for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics led to me being appointed as a venue medical manager. My role involved supporting a wide range of highly qualified medical professionals from all over the world – a daunting but inspiring task where my physiotherapy training in problem-solving was essential. During the Games, I worked alongside the physiotherapy team for the Women’s Tennis Association and was honoured to be invited to join their team as a physiotherapist, spending a number of enjoyable years treating tennis players and travelling the world.

I’m privileged now to be part of the physiotherapy team at the Championships, Wimbledon, where I’ve helped secure roles for newly qualified physios, who are keen to get a foot on the ladder in professional sports.  I also had the chance to take on further games management roles at the Glasgow and Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, finding myself courtside when Team England won gold in the netball finals in 2018. 

Looking back, I realise that I’ve been given so many wonderful opportunities in my career and I’m proud now to be able to champion colleagues coming into our profession who share that same dream of a career promoting our profession in sports.