Dr NICK Webborn has been appointed ParalympicsGB’s chief medical officer for 2012.
Dr Webborn, a former RAF doctor who spent time in both Headley Court and Stoke Mandeville as part of his rehabilitation from a spinal injury in rugby, has been working in disability sport medicine since 1992 and was the BPA (British Paralympic Association) Medical Officer at the 1996 and 1998 Paralympic Games.
He then worked as medical officer for the British swimming squad up until the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, and then became the medical adviser for the BPA for the Beijing Games. He is also a member of the IPC sport science committee.
He also represented Great Britain wheelchair tennis team in the 2005 World Team Cup.
Dr Webborn said: “I am absolutely delighted that I have been appointed to this position and I look forward to working with all the sports and their athletes over the next few years.
“I have always enjoyed the challenge of working with Paralympians. They are top flight athletes who give you extra challenges as a clinician because their sports participation and impairment creates problems not always found in the textbooks!
“My task will be to help get the team to the start line in the best possible condition. After that it will be up to them to win the medals.”
Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB’s Performance Director, said: “We know that fit and healthy athletes form the foundation from which to build medal winning performances. We’re thrilled that Nick, one of the most experienced and respected practitioners in Paralympic sport, will be working with us as we prepare for 2012.”
The announcement coincides with this week’s opening of the first Paralympic GB sports camp at the University of Bath.
Nine sports will be attending the camp: archery, fencing, goalball, judo, powerlifting, shooting, table tennis, volleyball and both men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball.
The athletes will live and train on site and will combine their training with various other activities designed to prepare them for the rigours of a home Games.
