Nicki Combarro
| Current job role | Sports Physiotherapist, English Institute of Sport & Lead Physiotherapist for Team GB Olympics |
|---|---|
| Course studied | BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, 1996 |
Career Success
When Nicki graduated from Herts in 1996, she didn’t realise how far her degree would take her. As well as setting up the hugely successful BodyBalance Physiotherapy clinic, based at the University's own Hertfordshire Sports Village, she has also become one of the top physiotherapists supporting Team GB.
Nicki was invited to plan the medical provision required by Team GB for the London 2012 Olympics. Her work as part of the HQ staff ensured that the athletes had access to physiotherapy, sports massage, medical support, and strength and conditioning support. During the Games, she was a Physio Games Maker and part of the medical support team at the Velodrome and BMX track. Nicki was also the Team England physiotherapist for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014, Delhi 2010, Melbourne 2006, and Manchester 2002.
In 2018 she was selected to lead Team GB’s physiotherapists at the Winter Olympics in South Korea, where she supported athletes with their general wellbeing, as well as any injuries. Nicki was also a part of the medical support team for Team GB at the hugely successful Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
When asked what the best part of her job is, Nicki simply says, 'Seeing an athlete with a medal around their neck and knowing that you played a part in their success, even if it was a tiny, tiny part, is really quite rewarding.'
Supporting current students
Nicki has also remained the driving force behind her campus-based Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic, BodyBalance, where she supports students and graduates who are part of the Hertfordshire Talented Athlete Programme, as well as Saracens Mavericks (Netball), England Golf, and the wider community. BodyBalance is a place where students studying healthcare professions can also learn and develop their knowledge and skills and Nicki is a great advocate for sharing best practices and expertise.