I spent one week in West Lakes Adelaide working with the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) athletes whilst they were competing in the Australian National Rowing Championships. I was part of the support team for the athletes that consisted of sports scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, and rowing coaches. My role involved treating the athletes pre and post racing over the week and also to help the sports scientists when they were organizing cool down post racing.

It was a great experience working with the athletes, majority of which had represented Australia at the past Olympic games. It was fantastic being part of a professional elite team with access to all the leading equipment in sports science. As a practitioner it is always a challenge helping elite sports people with their injuries when they have to perform, I found this very rewarding. 

All the athletes did really well during the regatta and are currently in Sydney undergoing trials for the next Australian team. Due to work commitments I could not be in Sydney to help them. I am looking forward to working with the athletes in the future though. 

Michelle Funder