UCLan physio leads Team GBR care team at international sports event

28 February 2019

Rob Hamilton oversees physio provision at Universiade in Russia

A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) physiotherapy academic worked for Team GBR at an international sports event in Russia in March 2019.

Sport and Health Sciences lecturer Rob Hamilton was the Chief Physiotherapist for Team GBR and he played a vital role in the World University Winter Games, held in Krasnoyarsk.

His role saw him overseeing the physio provisions throughout the tournament, known as the Universiade, over a three-week period.

The games are seen as one of the largest multisport competitions in the world, with over 2,500 participants from more than 50 countries.  The games included sports such as Alpine skiing, Curling, Figure skating, Freestyle skiing and Boarding, Ice hockey. Ski-orienteering and Snowboarding. 

He said: “There was a really strong team of staff I was working alongside and we supported each other, sharing knowledge along the way. It was a great team, sharing some really excellent talent and experience and great coaches and personnel, and we had absolute confidence we would do our very best.”

This was the first time Rob has worked in a winter sports environment, something he believes will help benefit his students and he says he relished the challenge.

He said: “I have been able to share my experiences, and those of my medical colleagues I worked with in Russia, in case study evidence based learning examples and discussions.

“I have built new friendships and professional links that will continue to provide opportunities for knowledge transfer.”

Rob has previously worked with England at the Commonwealth games in the Gold Coast, Glasgow and Delhi, and Team GB at the London Olympic Games.