A NURSE in Forth Valley recently completed her final shift before she begins her preparations for the Winter Olympics.
Vicky Wright, a curling gold medallist and NHS Forth Valley general surgical nurse, has been a staff nurse for the past six years.
She reduced her hours in 2019 to focus on her curling career, with the Beijing Winter Olympics 2022 her next goal.
Vicky, who began curling when she was just 11 years old and says she instantly fell in love with the sport, is lead in Eve Muirhead’s curling rink.
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.
“On December 23 [last year] we were officially selected to represent team GB at the Olympics.
“It does not 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.”
Vicky reduced her hours as a nurse two years ago and is now preparing for the Beijing Winter Olympics. Photo by Graeme Hart
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.”
Lisa McCann, NHS Forth Valley senior staff nurse, added: “The B11 family couldn't be more proud of Vicky and her achievement of qualifying for the Winter Olympics 2022 in Beijing.
“Vicky 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.
“Good luck Vicky.”
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