Performance Sport Nurse Spotlight: Meet Rachael Lynch

Registered Nurse Australian Wheelchair Rugby Program
Retired Hockeyroo • Dual Olympian • Dual Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist • World Cup Silver Medallist

We caught up with Rachael to explore her journey and insights as a high performance sports nurse.

Pathway Into Sport

I worked as a neuro rehab nurse from 2009 while competing for the Hockeyroos, balancing hospital shifts with international travel for 12 years. After retiring from hockey, I moved into athlete wellbeing at the Victorian Institute of Sport. My nursing background quickly led to opportunities with Para Table Tennis, Para Shooting, and ultimately a nursing role at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, an experience that confirmed my passion for working in high performance sport. I now work three days a week with Wheelchair Rugby Australia while maintaining some clinical hospital work to keep my skills current.

A Typical Day

Our program is decentralised, with regular national camps and international travel. My work spans medical support for athletes across Australia, coordinating carers and nurses, recruitment, education, compliance, and developing annual care profiles to ensure athletes receive consistent, high quality support at camps and competitions.

How Sport Nursing Differs

Sport nursing is vastly different from hospital work. Hours can run from early morning to late evening, and while some tasks are clinical, many are practical, carrying equipment, assisting athletes, and managing daily care needs. Documentation is minimal, and success relies heavily on teamwork, adaptability, and the right personality fit on tour.

Challenges

Travel can be exhausting, especially assisting more than 15 wheelchair users during flights and managing large amounts of equipment.

Most Memorable Moment

The Paris Paralympics. The event itself was incredible, but it was the people, their stories, kindness, and team culture, that made it unforgettable.

Misconceptions

Sports nursing is still relatively unknown, so misconceptions are rare, most people simply don’t realise the role exists.

Value of a Nurse in High Performance

Having a nurse means the physio and team manager no longer handle medical issues on tour. I liaise directly with our doctor, removing the need for a travelling doctor. I’ve introduced new health and wellness policies, and our education initiatives have reduced illness on trips and improved athletes’ self‑management.

Advice for Nurses Wanting to Enter Sport

If you love sport and want a new challenge, it’s a rewarding career. It is physically demanding, so fitness is important, and you need to enjoy being around sport all day.