This week it’s Dr Sophie Armstrong’s turn in the spotlight, where she reveals an impressive sporting career and lets us in on her other vocational passion!
What is your proudest moment as a team doctor?
Being a part of the Netball World Cup 2015 winning team. It was an amazing, intense two weeks. The Gold medal match was one of the best netball games I’ve watched, The Diamonds absolutely smashed it. It’s definitely one of the most personally and professionally rewarding times of my career so far.
What lead you to choosing the specialty of sport and exercise medicine?
I’ve always been very sporty, and almost pursued a career as an elite netballer, but ended up choosing medicine. Sport and exercise medicine has allowed me to choose both in a sense.
If you hadn’t become a sports physician, what other profession would you have liked to pursue?
I’ve always wanted to be a florist. I know nothing about flowers, but like the idea of being surrounded by them everyday and making beautiful arrangements for people. My mum & I recently did my best friend’s flowers and bouquets for her wedding, hard work, but lots of fun.
What is your own sporting background? Nowadays I just try to keep fit, along with a compulsory ski trip each year. Previously,
I use to practically live on the netball court, but work doesn’t allow for that so much these days!
What is your greatest sporting achievement? Being in the Welsh Netball Squad for a number of years. Also being Cardiff (UK) University’s Sports Fresher of the year and then Sportswoman of the Year the following year, both very humbling.
What’s been your worst sports injury?
I’ve been really lucky and never had any serious sport injuries, hopefully that luck continues!
Which sporting legend would you most like to invite to dinner?
Sir Steve Redgrave, he is a retired British rower who won gold medals at five consecutive Olympic Games from 1984 to 2000. He has also won three Commonwealth Games gold medals and nine World Rowing Championships golds. He did all this with diabetes and ulcerative colitis.
Why?
To meet someone who has achieved at the level for that length of time shows incredible talent, commitment and sacrifice, I’m sure he’d have lots of stories to tell.
