“In high performance sport there’s always a lot of talk about team,” says Helen. “A real highlight for me was that team was not just talked, it was walked – whether as part of the medical group or as part of the whole NZ Team. I experienced how truly exceptional New Zealand is at creating team manaaki.”
Helen says one of the biggest joys was when an athlete came into the medical clinic they felt at home and wanted to talk and share their experiences, their concerns, happiness and, at times, disappointments.
“One of the hardest things was seeing New Zealand athletes not achieving what they went to Paris to do. The experience for them was often over in a flash and could be brutal. Our role was to be there for the tough times as well as the medal winning times.
“With the leadership of NZOC Health Team Leader, Dr Bruce Hamilton, Lead Physiotherapist Jordan Salesa and the NZOC we created a lovely space of connection for athletes and the support team. There was, I believe, a real sense of safety, support and community.”
On the medical front the fluxes of needs were a daily challenge. “There were long hours and very busy periods alongside quieter spells so it was important managed ourselves well, have rests, refresh ourselves and get ready for the next peak.
“We had injury issues to work through as well as managing illnesses such as respiratory, skin and gastro conditions in the best way to get an athlete onto the pitch or to the start line.”
With illnesses that were often highly contagious, New Zealand led the way in mask wearing says Helen. “We made the decision to recommend our people wear masks in shared indoor spaces with other countries. A big focus was actively managing illness prevention with recommendations and good communication”.
“What was interesting to see was how over time other nations adopted our approach of mask wearing.”
Wearing her hat as a female health doctor, Helen says she was very lucky to be part of a health team with a broad range of skills in this area including Dr Sarah Beable (HPSNZ Medical Director at Snow Sports NZ). “We were able to provide specific care for our female athletes and had an important role to play in opportunistic care for those athletes based overseas, as well as help with their longer term health management plan.”
Days were, as expected, long. “We would start each day early, connecting as a team sharing important points and reflections, as well as testing ourselves with fun pieces like a quiz or combined challenge. We would consider needs of sports and athletes coming in and out of the village, and competition schedules ahead. Our philosophy of focussing on the human in front of us was the priority – to help and support them and their dreams.
“Those early starts held a special place for each member of the team and combined with strong coffee to kick start those who had worked late, as well as delicious fresh French baguettes from the village bakery, the whanaungatanga was highly valued.”
When summing up her experience, Helen says it was simply wonderful. “We did good things, we helped good people and we were part of a good team.”
