Kent Sport staff have been busy in 2014 not just preparing an exciting range of sport and fitness opportunities and services to be enjoyed at the University’s Canterbury and Medway campuses in Kent’s 50th anniversary year; but also applying their skills and experience in the world of sport beyond campus.
Kent Sport Physiotherapist Vicky Annis, reports on her exploits with the Great Britain triathlon team:
The first trip was to Stockholm for the penultimate World Series race of the season. Being in Stockholm and the sun shining made the pre race preparation more enjoyable for the athletes, however, the water temperature was certainly a shock at not much over 13 degrees! The training and preparation the athletes put in to the races is unbelievable and it really is a privilege to be involved and helping with any injuries sustained and massage.
The race unfolded very well in the senior men’s race and Alistair and Jonny Brownlee made a break very early on during the bike section. The route involved several cobbled sections that were difficult to handle and there were crashes within both the men’s and women’s races. The lead was so significant going into the run that Jonathan managed to out sprint his brother to finish with the win.
The team then travelled directly to Edmonton for the Grand Final and the World Championships for both the junior U23 and senior competitions. Both myself and Emma Deakin the head physiotherapist for British Triathlon were there and shared the work load of the before, during and after sections of the races. We came away with medals in the men’s senior U23 and junior races plus the U23 relay event.
I feel very honoured to be asked by the head physiotherapist of British Triathlon to be part of the team assisting at the World Series events and I am looking forward to being involved in the coming season. The triathletes work tirelessly and the amount of training they do really does set the hard working and positive environment seen thorough out all the age groups. I want to match that with my physiotherapy skills. Next year is an important year with the Olympics in 2016 just around the corner.
For further information about the Kent Sport Physiotherapy Clinic visit www.kent.ac.uk/sports/physio.