Sport Rehabilitator at the Olympics
Rehabber, Samantha Parsons supported our tennis stars at the Paris Olympics 2024
Samantha Parsons, BASRaT registered Sport Rehabilitator and Director of Arch Health and Fitness in Kew played a key role in supporting GB tennis in Paris. Sam shares her story with us.
“I had the honour of being part of the Great Britain tennis medical team at the Olympic Games, following my experience at the National Tennis Centre and with the Davis Cup Team.”
Preparation for team requirements
"Significant preparation was undertaken by the GB Tennis Team Manager, Iain Bates with the British Olympic Association to anticipate the team's requirements. The BOA offered 3 staff training sessions prior to the games to ensure all medical and administrative staff were adequately prepared, we also engaged with representatives from Physio Lab and Rock Tape to provide exposure to cutting-edge equipment and products whilst also allowing for networking with professionals across a variety of other sporting disciplines.
Together with fellow physiotherapists Shane Annun and Will Herbert, we were adequately prepared regarding tournament format, venues. A facilities app enabled us to manage reservations for massage beds and gym spaces.
One of the most important parts of our preparation involved ensuring the team had the supplies needed for the duration of the tournament. Ranging from tape and S&C kit to detailed nutritional supplements in line with each of the players’ requirements, coordinated by the GB Tennis Team nutritionist, Dan Ellis."
Accommodation, cardboard beds and food!
"Adorned in the iconic stripes of adidas, our home away from home was nestled within the athletes’ village where the unlikely cosiness of cardboard beds took us by surprise. We were fortunate to have another Team GB venue 20 minutes away from the village which housed additional facilities for athlete preparation and allowed nearest and dearest to see the athletes. Thankfully, the culinary experience at the GB lodge was somewhat superior to the offerings at the Olympic Village due to the efforts of the very talented Team GB exclusive chef."
Daily roles and heat management
"Each day consisted of checking the requirements of individual players and coordinating travel, court practice times, warm ups, gym and treatment requests both before, during and after practice and matches.
The days were relatively long depending on what court times we were allocated, but we often left the village at 8.30am and rarely returning before 9pm in the evening with additional treatment in the village beyond that time if required (sometimes until 1.30am). Despite the early rain, conditions were soon verging on the tropical with temperatures court-side reaching over 34 degrees, an additional aspect to be managed. With that in mind, it became essential that each player made good use of the ice baths and sleep pods to maximise their individual recovery needs."
Medical Facilities
"We benefitted from the robust backing of Team GB's medical staff and had swift access to medical services when needed. A poly clinic was located within the village for MRI and advanced medical needs. Our tennis doctor, Guy Evans, and the team at Fortius were also on hand back in the UK if needed.
Whilst results didn’t go as well as was hoped, each of the players performed with extraordinary spirit and certainly relished the Olympic Experience, most notably with Andy Murray concluding his prolific sporting journey.
The experience was both remarkable and rewarding, and thankfully now a family holiday beckons!"
Sam is pictured with GB Tennis stars Neal Skupski and Joe Salisbury who have nine Grand Slam doubles titles between them.
