Sports Physiotherapist Madeleine Thompson has just returned from the 2024 Paralympic Games where she was working at the Australia Physical Therapies Headquarters.
Now that she’s back from France we asked her to tell us a bit about the experience . . . .
How did your involvement with the 2024 Paralympic Games come about and what was your role?
I was very lucky to have been successfully chosen as part of an application process to attend the Paralympic games as a Physiotherapist within the Physical Therapies Headquarters for the Australian team.
How did it feel to go to the Paralympics and support Australian athletes?
The team of athletes are phenomenal, both on and off the field. It was an honour and a privilege to be able to support the athletes to perform at their best.
What did your role at the Games entail / what was the day-to-day like for you working there?
I was working within the Medical Headquarters in the Athlete’s Village. This was a team comprised of three Sports and Exercise Physicians, four Physiotherapists, three Soft Tissue Therapists, three Dietitians, two Psychologists, and two Nurses.
We were responsible for the treatment of all athletes that did not have their own travelling support staff at the games, as well as providing services for the operations and support staff as well.
Part of our day was spent working within the village in the medical rooms, as well as travelling with athletes to venues to support them during competition.
I was mainly responsible for looking after Table Tennis and Boccia. My usual role is as Head Physio for the Australian Paralympic Table Tennis Team, so it was fantastic to be able to travel and support the group. They came away with 5 medals - 2 gold and 3 bronze.
I had never worked with Boccia before, and it was a pleasure to work with Dan and Jam and their ramp assistants Ash and Jazz. They both came away with silver medals respectively.
In the mornings we did manage to “sneak out” early for a run up to Sacre Coeur, or a bike ride to the Arc and squeezed in a croissant or two!
What were the facilities like?
The Australian operational staff always do a fantastic job in making the allotment feel like a home away from home. The village rooms were decked out in green and gold and had a fully operational kitchen manned by the Dietitians with all the favourite foods from home. But at the dining hall in the village, I have to say those chockie muffins stood up to all the hype!
You’ve travelled with teams before and even worked at a Commonwealth Games and a Youth Olympics Games, how did the Paralympics compare to your previous experiences?
I think the best aspect of working with Paralympic Australia is that they have developed a wonderful culture of care and respect among athletes and within the staff. It’s hard to put into words . . . The group are the best in the business in their specific disciplines but the care and support of each other is second to none.
What was the highlight(s) of the trip?
The French crowds were absolutely amazing, whether there was a French athlete involved or not, they were deafening. It was fantastic to see them getting behind and backing Paralympic Sport.
I loved the opportunity to get out and watch a range of sports from Table Tennis, Boccia and Wheelchair Basketball, to Swimming, Triathlon and the Marathon.
I would also have to say that walking out as part of Team Australia in the Opening Ceremony was very special.
What was the most challenging thing about your time in Paris / the trip?
I would have to say, the team were so supportive that we overcame any challenge that arose.
I am struggling to think of one here . . . maybe avoiding the croissants!!
How do you feel this experience will help you in treating your patients at Alphington Sports Medicine?
I always appreciate the chance to work within a wider team, to learn what other sports are prioritising and how they are advancing their performance is always beneficial in making sure we are providing up to date and forward-thinking therapy.
For more information about Madeleine Thompson go to:
https://www.alphingtonsportsmed.com.au/practitioners#madeleine-thompson-nee-ellis-
