“Your brain is really smart and can convince you that everything is fine… even when you are struggling to function. If it wasn’t for the team of people around me I don’t know how long my recovery would have taken.” – Catrin
Prior to her injury, Catrin led an exhilarating life full of adventure and purpose. At the age of just 21, she was already competing internationally as a team GB windsurfer. Starting water sports at a very young age, Catrin fell in love with racing and it was clear to her, and those around her, that she had a natural affinity for it. She has competed, and earned awards, in multiple mainstream competitions, including the National Championship, the European Championship, and the World Championship.
Simultaneously with windsurfing, Catrin was also working hard towards a university degree in Sports Science.
Applying her passion for watersports to her academic pursuits, Catrin integrated the self-discipline, perseverance, and competitive drive she developed through windsurfing into her studies.
Not one to say no to any opportunity presented to her, she also coached in her spare time; devoting the time to teach the next generation the thrill of sailing.
Unfortunately, Catrin’s life took an unexpected turn in late 2023 during the first day of an international sailing event. She was suddenly involved in a serious crash with another sailor, resulting in significant whiplash and concussion, and a trip to A&E.
At first, Catrin couldn’t fully grasp the extent of the crash’s impact on her. Determined to return to her normal routine, she tried to push through, only to realise that the challenges she faced were far more complex than she had ever imagined. Her concussion and whiplash injuries caused her to struggle physically and cognitively in many aspects of day-to-day life. She found moving challenging (finding it difficult to walk to the end of her garden or to empty the dishwasher), and the cognitive stimulus of socialising and talking to others
for more than 10 minutes left her completely spent.
Around one month after the sailing crash, Catrin found Hobbs Rehabilitation and made the decision to start her recovery with the team in South East. Still in denial about the severity of her brain injury, she couldn’t overcome the belief that she didn’t deserve help, and thought she would be wasting people’s time and resources. To the outside world her concussion symptoms were invisible, which made it difficult for Catrin and others around her to understand. It was clear to her therapists that Catrin would benefit from neuro rehab and support to understand the cause of her symptoms and how treatment could help her overcome them.
From January to August of 2024, Catrin engaged in a holistic treatment plan created by her physiotherapist, Emma Jewer. Catrin’s rehabilitation included a range of cardiovascular, strengthening and vestibular rehabilitation exercises. Catrin’s sessions also supported her to reduce her headaches and fatigue, grading her progression back to university studies and sport in a structured way.
Catrin’s rehabilitation program was centred around improving her balance, both physically and mentally, as she came to the realisation that her schedule was out of balance as well as her body. Rooted in always striving to be the best version of herself, Catrin came to understand while working with the team at Hobbs, that learning to slow down and prioritise her recovery and well-being was a more successful approach than trying to push herself to the limit.
“Catrin worked incredibly hard during her recovery post concussion. She would often find it difficult to not push too hard, but learnt that by prioritising regular rest and gradually increasing her physical and cognitive activities she would not aggravate her symptoms and return to Windsurfing quicker.” – Emma Jewer, Vestibular and Concussion Service Lead.
Catrin’s commitment and perseverance through her rehabilitation has led to a very successful recovery. She is now able to continue studying her Sports Science degree without feeling completely exhausted and can now engage in social activities without limits. Catrin, has also been able to return to her passion of windsurfing, and successfully finished in the top 10 of five major events in 2024!
Looking back at her time at Hobbs Rehabilitation, Catrin is incredibly grateful for going through this process. Not only for the team of people around her that supported her rehabilitation, but also for impacting her belief in herself. She now values the importance of balancing the demands of life, of taking care of her mind and body so that she can be the best version of herself, and achieve her goal of being an Olympic champion one day.
“I encourage anyone who is struggling after an injury to go and get yourself checked out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, even if you think there’s nothing wrong. There are amazing professionals out there who can either reassure you that you’re fine or will help if you need it.” – Catrin