Earlier this month I was lucky enough to head to the Australian Institute of Sports’ European Training Centre (AIS ETC) in Gavirate, Italy to work with the Australian Rowing team in the lead up to the Olympic Games. This follows from my involvement with the Australian Women’s Rowing Team at their National training Centre right here in Penrith on the Nepean River since mid-2023. Working with both the men’s and women’s teams whilst in Italy, I was part of a multi-disciplinary team including our Sports Doctor Dr Kath Gaffney, as well as dietician, soft tissue therapy and exercise science.
What a great experience!
From getting up very early to perform athlete checks before they went out on water to row, to completing individual (physiotherapy) assessments or (physiotherapy) treatments with athletes each day. My role was to ensure the athletes were able to perform at their best both on water and in the gym in the lead up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. I went out in coaches boats to watch the athletes training on the water, which added invaluable information when it came to treating these athletes. It was hard work, 11-hour days, non-stop for just over two weeks.
Fortunately, I did make use of the (little) down time we had in the beautiful Lake District of Northern Italy. I was able to have a truly authentic Italian experience as I enjoyed eating plenty of the local food – from a caffe crema with brioche in the mornings, to finishing off a hard days work with an aperol spritz and an aperitivo, before moving onto pizza, pasta, gnocchi or gelato afterwards! I enjoyed some truly unique scenery – from the view of the swiss alps when on the lake, to exploring the city of Milan briefly before heading home to be reunited with my family whom I missed while I was away. This was a great opportunity to work with an amazing bunch of athletes and a great group of support staff. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the AIS ETC working as a physiotherapist. As the Australian Rowing Team continue their Olympic campaign, I wish them all the very best of luck for their respective events!
Go Rowsellas!
