FEATURE: LETS GO TEAM GUYANA WORKING AS A PHYSIO AT THE GAMES There will be athletes, fans, spectators, I will enter the Commonwealth Games the athletes and team of Guyana during children revelling in the atmosphere and with great expectations, but I wonder their preparation and competition on the absorbing the massive stimulation and what Team Guyana will be expecting of Gold Coast. For two weeks or more inspiration all around. This phenomenal me? I will offer them evidence-informed I will join their team, wear their uniform, environment demands enormous focus physiotherapy management, my time celebrate and reflect. It would be a and channelling of energy from all those and commitment to their endeavours, privilege to wave their flag as I did who have a job at hand. The heat of the alongside extensive experience in athlete Jersey’s in 2006. moment cannot distract from level management in competition. However, headed decisions and meticulous game- is that what they will want from me? I expect the 2018 Gold Coast plans – whether they be clinical, on the Upon our first meeting, I will need to Commonwealth Games to be intense, field of play or in professional conduct. be prepared to unite with their sport momentous and magnificent. I have medicine team, complement their learned to prepare meticulously but In our age of media and technology, any support staff, connect with their athletes expect the unexpected; be reactive, member of the medical team could find and deliver a health service to meet their responsive and professional. And wait, in themselves in the spotlight as part of a needs – to the absolute best of my ability. anticipation, for the occasion to unfold. major or minor injury incident. With or Building partnership and trust are usually without this spotlight, all injury responses engaged processes over time, however need to demonstrate safety, clinical on this occasion will need to be paved, ABOUT THE AUTHOR best practice and athlete-centred founded and strengthened all as the Dr Sonya Moore is an experienced management. Balancing unwavering games are dawning. Physiotherapist at Alphington commitment, fervour and long days with Sports Medicine Clinic in rest and self-care will be vital – you need I will join the Commonwealth Games Melbourne. She is also the Sports to be able to respond and perform at your Team Guyana as a physiotherapist with Medicine Program Coordinator at best at every point in time. thrill and honour, although the Games are the University of Melbourne. about the athletes. My role is to support