Nicole Cooke: Jonathan Webb helped me to realise my Olympic dream
Olympic Gold medallist Nicole Cooke has thanked Bristol-based orthopaedic surgeon,
Jonathan Webb, for surgery that helped her to reach her Olympic dream.
The 25-year-old from South Wales achieved Britain’s first gold in the Beijing Olympics in August when she won the women’s cycling road race, despite having suffering a career-threatening injury to her knee following a serious crash.
Nicole said: “I’d like to thank Jonathan and his team for their part in making my dream to win Olympic Gold come true.
“His expertise along with the help and support I’ve received from the Clinic over the last four years made it possible for me to overcome pain and injury and be ready in time for the Olympics.
“It takes a lot of hard work to get to the Olympics and to be held back by your body can be very demoralising. We met at a difficult time for me professionally when I was struggling to find an answer to the pain in my knee. Jonathan’s skills as a surgeon and the knowledge of the team at the Clinic helped to remedy my injury. Along with family, friends, my team mates and advisors they were part of making my dream come true!”
Ex-England rugby full back, Webb, said: “We all wanted her to win. It’s a pleasure to have helped Nicole through what must have seemed like a never ending series of problems, but it was her determination that was the key factor to her recovery, and the same goes for anyone else.
“Our multi-disciplinary team at the Jonathan Webb Clinic helps thousands of people back to full fitness each year and we understand the pain and frustration that injuries cause. I’m proud to congratulate her on our behalf and we all wish her luck for the future.”
Nicole first sought treatment from Webb in 2004. Nicole had tried unsuccessfully to remedy her injured knee using non-invasive treatment following a serious crash in 2003. Jonathan performed surgery for a knee condition sometimes found in high level endurance athletes, such as cyclists and rowers, and two months later Nicole won the prestigious Giro D'Italia.
Another operation followed on her right knee in 2005. Following both operations Nicole was supported by the Clinic's multi-disciplinary team of professionals who provided advice to her and her team on rehabilitation. The Jonathan Webb Clinic continued to provide advice throughout Nicole's training for the Olympics.
More about the clinic can be found at the website
www.jwclinic.com
