Life after Rio

Earlier in the year we heard from paediatric physiotherapist Julie Gray, who was looking forward to being part of the Rio Paralympics. Julie went to Rio as the Head of Classification for the International Canoe Federation (ICF). Now she's settled back in to normal life, we asked her about her experiences.

What was the atmosphere like?

The atmosphere in the athlete’s village and in Rio was joyous. The Brazilian people were so friendly and welcoming, and the Carioca spirit covers every aspect of daily life. They want to share it with all their guests, to help them to feel a little of the sheer joy of living, and to take it away with them to wherever they are going in the world.

"I hope that more people with impairments will take up sport"

Julie even has a new Rio inspired hair style!

Julie Gray is a paediatric physiotherapist at Nottinghamshire Healthcare. Here she talks to us about her role at the Rio 2016 Paralympics.

As a volunteer, I’ve been running a canoe and kayaking club for young people with special needs for the last 25 years.

When British Canoeing was looking for someone to train as a medical classifier, my name was put forward, as I have not only the medical skills as a physiotherapist, but also understand some of the technical aspects of the sport through coaching the youngsters in my club.