Bok physio kept fingers crossed
Durban physiotherapist Dr Tanushree Pillay helped the Springboks with their World Cup preparations.
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Among the thousands of Springbok fans who had been fretting and keeping their fingers crossed that the players would not be injured was Dr Tanushree Pillay.
The Durban-born doctor and physiotherapist was part of the medical team that looked after the Boks ahead of the World Cup.
Pillay, 34, studied a BSc in physiotherapy at the University of Western Cape (UWC).
She has an impressive CV and a lot of experience working as a physiotherapist with athletes.
“I am excited and so proud of the team. I do my work to the best of my ability, and my dream is always to see athletes achieving their dreams. I helped the Springbok squad before they headed off to play in the World Cup – my role was treating injuries and preventing others.”.
Last week she received a chancellor’s outstanding alumni award in sports education and administration from UWC.
“I felt overwhelmed receiving the award and just seeing the calibre of people who were also honoured with the awards. I must have done the university very proud.
“I am driven by passion to do very well. I didn’t need an award, but I appreciate the recognition from the university.”
In her first year, she recieved a golden key award for her excellent academic work.
Passion drove her to further her studies and she holds a PhD.
In 2013 the South African golden girl was named the manager of the Springbok Women’s Sevens team – a position she still holds.
She has worked with a number of sports codes: she was the head physiotherapist at the All Africa Gymnastics Championships, Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010, Olympic Games in 2012 in London and the Beijing Paralympics.
“I never dreamed of working in the sports industry, but I enjoy it now. I wanted to work with children, but a career in sport chose me. Right now my plan is to venture into business,” she said.
Sunday Tribune
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