Video: how Scots experts ensured Susan Egelstaff made it to London

Friday 27 July 2012

Despite meticulous preparation, there is one thing which can stop elite athletes in their tracks: injury.

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When it happened to badminton ace Susan Egelstaff – who won team bronze at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, took women's singles bronze four years later in Melbourne, and finished fourth in the singles in Delhi - the team of experts at the sportscotland institute of sport were on hand to help her get back on track.

During 2011, Susan’s performances made her appear certain for inclusion in Team GB for London 2012, but a freak injury which saw her damage her right knee and femur bone in October 2011 looked to put her out of contention. But neither Susan nor the support team at the sportscotland institute of sport gave up. After a successful operation, the experts from the institute worked together on an action plan to get her back to her best. Senior performance nutritionist Irene Riach formed part of the integrated service team which helped Susan’s rehabilitation. “The nutrition support kicked off right away, even before surgery, and because of that early involvement we were able to get Susan’s body ready to perform as well as giving her a positive role in her own recovery.” The theme of regaining control and positive energy was also a key factor in sport psychologist Misha Botting’s role, as he explained: “Rehabilitation of an injury can be a very frustrating and negative process for an athlete if they feel they have very little control over what is going on. With Susan, we wanted her to stay focussed and remain in charge and this was achieved by ensuring she had input into what was being proposed for each phase of the recovery.” The team worked around the clock and kept in touch with Susan throughout all elements of her recovery. Physiotherapist Craig More was the lynchpin of this communication and with the outstanding work from Susan and the team, she was back on court three months earlier than predicted. Susan said: “The support of the team at the sportscotland institute of sport was amazing. There is no way I could have done it without their expert guidance and expertise and the service I received has highlighted how big a role they have played in my career to date and that I couldn’t have done it without them.”

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Video: how Scots experts ensured Susan Egelstaff made it to London

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