SIOBHAN MADARAS
Supporting success
London 2012 has long been the phrase on everybody’s lips. As momentum builds, the nation eagerly turns its attention to the talented athletes flying the flag for Great Britain. But what of the people behind the scenes, each playing their part in the biggest sporting event of the year? Siobhan Madaras speaks to one of these people, physiotherapist Nicki Combarro.
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lumna Nicki has over 14 years experience in her field. Since graduating in 1996, she has travelled the world treating a whole range of athletes and is certainly no stranger to large scale sporting events having been involved in three Commonwealth Games and various World University Games. But mention London 2012 and her face lights up: “It’s going to be great!” Nicki is one of 400 physiotherapists volunteering their services in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. From June she will be based at Loughborough University, setting up the holding camp where Team GB (all British athletes) will go to be kitted out: “We’ll also be there as a support to any physios coming through with their squads. If any squads should come through without physios we’ll provide a service for them as well.” Once the games are underway, Nicki, the owner of BodyBalance – a Hatfield based physiotherapy business – will head back to the capital to continue her duties: “At the moment one of the events I’m looking after is cycling at the Velodrome. We might not see a huge amount of the action but we’ll be there within the arena. After that I’ll be based in the Medical Centre in the Athletes’ Village where any nation and any sport can access us. You literally could get anything coming through the door…but that’s part of the fun!” With London 2012 set to impact the country in a big
way, Nicki is a true ambassador for the Games: “I don’t see how it can’t be positive. I appreciate that if sport isn’t really your bag then it might come across as the government throwing good money away but just the regeneration of the London boroughs alone has been absolutely outstanding. We’ve also got issues with participation and child obesity in this country so even if it just spurs a few people to get in a pool and have a go at swimming or to play recreational badminton in the facilities that are left behind, that can only be a good thing.”
Asked what the best part of her job is, Nicki simply says: “Seeing an athlete with a medal around their neck and knowing that you played a part in their success, even if it was a tiny, tiny part, is really quite rewarding.”
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The 2012 Olympics and Paralympics aren’t just about sport. Here’s a snapshot of what alumni, staff, students and the local University community are getting up to and how they’re supporting the Games… l A member of staff has been selected to take part in the Opening Ceremony on 27th July. We’re not allowed to say who it is, but keep an eye out for any familiar faces when you’re watching it! l Research students from the Health and Human Sciences Research Institute (HHSRI) have been selected by GlaxoSmithKline and trained by King’s College London to assist with the preparation of samples in the anti-doping laboratory. It is expected that tests will be carried out on over 6,000 urine and blood samples – more than any previous Games. l Students from the tourism, hospitality and events programme will be volunteering, including one student who will be involved in security. l The University will be hosting a range of teams including competitors from the British Virgin Islands, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis. l 2012 Olympic hopeful Adam Brown is a member of the Hatfield Swimming Club and trains in the pool in the Sports Village. l Dr Linda Wilks, senior lecturer in Events Management, will be part of the Events Services team for the Paralympics at the Olympic Park – she will be on duty throughout the Paralympics, helping to make the visitors’ experiences of the event enjoyable.
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14/04/2012 18:05
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