Vicky says she is lucky to balance her Olympic dream with such a rewarding job.
A frontline NHS nurse and her teammates have brought home a gold medal for Team GB.
Vicky Wright, a surgical staff nurse, working for NHS Forth Valley in Scotland, won gold over the weekend as part of the Team GB women’s curling team.
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.
An emotional rollercoaster.
Before flying out to Beijing at the start of the month, training took place for around three hours a day on the ice, plus training in the gym and sessions with the team’s physiotherapist, psychologist and nutritionist.
Vicky previously 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.
“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.”
Adding: “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”.
Nurses took to social media en mass to celebrate the international success of one of their counterparts.
Working alongside a superstar.
NHS Forth Valley Senior Staff Nurse, Lisa McCann, 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!”