Physio helps shape future of Australian sport
TOOWOOMBA physiotherapist Jim Wiltshire is proud to say he’s had a hand in shaping the future of Australian swimming.
Wiltshire accompanied the Queensland team to this month’s US Open in California, helping swimmers reach their peak for competition after the long flight.
The combined Australian States team finished fourth overall, with the likes of former Toowoomba talent Matthew Briggs contributing to that success.
“It was good fun to be a part of. A quality competition, and the Queensland swimmers did really well,” Wiltshire said.
Wiltshire also works with the Glennie and Fairholme swim teams, and the Toowoomba Clydesdales, but the US Open was his first time working overseas.
He said it was a fantastic insight into the elite level, but admitted it wasn’t all that different to working with Toowoomba athletes.
“They’re just ordinary people, like the swimmers here, just a different level,” he said.
“It was great to go to a US Open and see the step up in intensity, and the full-time preparation.
“That’s a bit different, but they’re still just bodies running around. You still want them getting the best they can out of their bodies. It wa s a learning experience... hopefully I get a few more like that in the future.”