Keeper on COVID-19 frontline as nurse
HOCKEY:
Hockeyroos goalkeeper Rachael Lynch has bottled her own Olympic emotions and applied to work as a registered nurse at two COVID-19 clinics.
Lynch, recently voted the world’s best keeper, was set to be one of the most important players in Australia’s bid for gold at the Tokyo Games.
The unprecedented postponement of the Olympics means she must instead mull whether to reset and push on for Tokyo 2021.
The 33-year-old is yet to give that decision much thought, instead putting her name forward to work at coronavirus clinics at Perth’s Fiona Stanley Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital.
Lynch was already working at Fiona Stanley’s neuro-rehabilitation ward, having made it clear to Hockey Australia that one day a week would result in better life balance and on-field performances.
“But I didn’t have any shifts (prior to returning to work last week) because we were supposed to be in Europe,” the veteran said.
“As soon as we finished up on Monday I went in and saw my boss. For the first time since being a graduate, I’m able to work full-time.
“They’re trying to recruit as many nurses and healthcare workers as they can, because they’re anticipating the load is going to be massive soon.
“Lots of stuff needs to be taking place in order to get this right.”
Some images, such as those of well-populated beaches in Sydney and Melbourne, have not inspired much confidence.
“If you’re waiting to be told, it’s too late,” Lynch said.
“You see in the community that people aren’t taking it seriously ... anybody in hospital for any reason, they’re now put at risk (because of that).”