Curling gold medallist and general surgical nurse Vicky Wright recently completed her final shift at Forth Valley Royal Hospital before beginning four weeks of intensive preparations for the Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing.
A staff nurse for the past six years, Vicky reduced her hours in 2019 to focus on her curling career, but says she hopes to return to full-time nursing soon.
Vicky, who began curling when she was just 11 years old and instantly fell in love with the sport, is lead in Eve Muirhead’s curling rink, which is based at the National Curling Academy at The PEAK in Stirling.
She says she enjoys travelling to tournaments and sport is a way of dealing with the stressful situations she sometimes deals with in her job.
Vicky said: “In November 2021 we won the European Championships and it was the first time both the men and women had won gold at the same time. In December 2021, we travelled to the Netherlands to compete in the Olympic Qualification Event in which three teams would qualify and we managed to secure the number one spot and qualify Great Britain for the Olympics.
“It doesn’t feel real at all. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster with ups and downs and to finally be selected for the Olympic team is a dream come true.”
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Before flying out to Beijing on February 2, training continues with around three hours a day on ice, plus training in the gym and sessions with the team’s physiotherapist, psychologist and nutritionist. They will then move to a holding camp and Vicky has already started an isolation period.
She said: “I have amazing colleagues in Ward B11 at Forth Valley Royal Hospital who have supported me all the way and made my Olympic dream possible.
“Juggling work has been difficult and I am so lucky to be allowed to compete at the highest level whilst having a rewarding job.
“It’s truly a dream come true. I am going to go out there give it my best and enjoy the experience and see what happens after that”.
NHS Forth Valley senior staff nurse Lisa McCann said: “The B11 family couldn’t be more proud of Vicky and her achievement of qualifying for the Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing. She has worked hard to achieve her dream and has impressed us all with her dedication towards her work and her curling training!
“We wish the whole of Team GB well in their pursuit of gold and we can’t wait to brag about working alongside a superstar! We will all be watching and cheering her and the team on from home.”
