I then had a couple of days off: what is a chocolate-loving girl like me to do when in Brum?!  Obviously a trip to Cadbury World was a must, so off I went on the factory tour (by myself!) and an expensive trip to the Gift Shop afterwards (I particularly liked the factory shop with the bulk-buying options!).

The following day was also a day off so into the Bullring I went.  I haven’t been shopping properly for about 4 years what with covid and everything else so I have to say it was quite exciting (yes I know!!)

Tuesday 26^th July I was due to be on shift again; but sadly a dodgy meal on Monday evening put paid to those plans so I had to call it off… I was gutted but didn’t feel it was worth the risk to anyone else.

So on Wednesday 27^th July I headed back to Yorkshire – ironically just as the Opening Ceremony was kicking things off! I didn’t have any shifts scheduled for a week so couldn’t justify the cost of accommodation and additional time off work without good reason.  So home I came and did a couple of NHS shifts as well as a couple of days for myself before heading back down on Tuesday 2^nd August.

Wednesday 3^rd August brought an early shift (7-3) and myself and a GP was sent to “Throws”: the training facility used by the hammer and discus athletes.  As their competitions were underway it wasn’t busy; we weren’t needed for any injury management so enjoyed watching them train.  We saw the male Englishman, Scotsman and South African athletes as well as a New Zealand and Malaysian women train.  I’ve never seen the hammer throw ‘in the flesh’ and it really is impressive how fast they spin, and just how high and far it goes!  Television coverage doesn’t give you that appreciation!

The next day (Thursday 4^th August) was another day at the athletics training track: again most of the athletics competitions were well underway so not many athletes down and training.  Myself and another physio, as well as a GP were sent down; and were followed on by a couple more physios who were instructed to bring a new treatment bed down (seeming a shot putter had sat on one the day before and broke it!).  As they were struggling across campus the Police took pity and offered to drive it down to us… so cue an armed police vehicle arriving and delivering our treatment bed!

Whilst they were here we had quite a long chat about their role: both at the Games and their ‘day jobs’; they were from Greater Manchester Police.   We even got a tour of the vehicle and their equipment, including the weaponry!  I didn’t take any pics though as I wasn’t sure I would be allowed!  Lovely chaps though and bumped into them a few times over the rest of the Games so nice to see people you ‘knew’ around the site.

Then followed 2 scheduled days off; day 1 was spent running errands – washing my uniform at the laundrette, and picking up requests for chocolate from Cadbury World again! Also a trip to see the mechanical bull who featured in the Opening Ceremony.

Day 2 saw a trip to the SeaLife Centre (why not!?), and as I left I had a phone call asking if I could cover an additional shift later that day.  They had become a bit shorter of trauma-trained physios as a few people had dropped out due to being covid-positive, so I had left my details with the managers if they needed me.  Whilst they didn’t need specific physio skills, they did want first aiders to help the team at the NEC: they were expecting around 50,000 spectators that evening so needed roaming teams in the crowds.  So home I went to change and headed across to the NEC.

It was nice to be out at a competition venue as I hadn’t been anywhere near any of the action; we got to go into the halls where there was badminton and boxing matches taking place; as well as a mingle around the outdoor fan park.  It was nice to see spectators as well as the sport – again we are quite sheltered at the Village due to high security!  A lot of fans came up and said thank you for our efforts, and we even got bought ice creams by an appreciative Brummie!

Sunday 7^th was a late shift (3-11pm) and time spent around the village, capturing more pictures, and chatting with colleagues in the clinic.  Not many customers at the clinic: again, the last couple of days of competitions meant that a lot of athletes had left, and a lot no longer competing so a lesser demand for services.

Monday 8^th was a shorter shift to reflect the quieter clinic; a 5pm start meant I had the day to myself.  Meeting a new friend the day before who was staying close by, we decided to go into the City together for a spot of shopping and lunch before our shift.  It was nice to spend some time with someone when I wasn’t on shift as previously had been doing things solo!

The Monday evening shift did have some excitement though: as it was the Closing Ceremony the athletes were all heading on shuttle buses to the stadium.  We briefly closed the clinic to line their way and cheer them on; and I even got to see a Gold Medal up close!  Janelle Anderson from the Basketball 3×3 team was wearing his so I managed a quick selfie before he went!

We then headed back to the clinic and watched the ceremony on TV; a few athletes left behind came in for pre-departure covid tests but little else to do physio-wise.

Tuesday morning – up early and back to Yorkshire!

Most who know me know I had some grumbling about it all: some of the organisation and communications were less than perfect, though I can fully appreciate how huge an undertaking it is!  I had to take annual leave from my NHS role, unpaid leave from my own workload, and organise and pay for my own accommodation.  Despite this I would definitely do it all again!  It’s been an incredible experience, despite the feeling that I haven’t really done much ‘actual physio’ work (and I’m not going to talk about who I saw and why as I have to respect their right to confidentiality).  Seeing a large-scale International Games from the inside has been fascinating and I have loved it!

When’s the next one…?!?