Olympic debut for Pindara Private Hospital physio

Representing your country at the Olympic Games is the pinnacle for any athlete, and for Alex Beck the honour has been a long time coming.

The 400-metre runner, who works as a physiotherapist at Pindara Private Hospital, will proudly wear Australian colours in Tokyo after narrowly missing out on selection in 2012 and 2016.

"I've been running for more than 10 years but this will be my Olympic debut, which I've been wanting to achieve my whole career," he said.

"Looking back, I think missing out previously really lit that fire in me and to now be running the best I've ever been, it's just awesome."

The 29-year-old earned his spot this year after becoming only the seventh Australian man to win the 200/400m double at the national championships, and the first to do so since 1989.

He has a special support network at the Gold Coast hospital where he has not only worked in the Allied Healthteam for nearly five years, but also where he was born.

"The Olympic experience is something the whole community gets behind and it's just really nice to know there's a lot of people in my corner wanting to see me succeed," he said.

Pindara Private Hospital CEO Mark Page wished Alex all the best for his Olympics debut.

"I'm sure the whole 'Pindy' team will be cheering Alex on when he hits the track and I encourage everyone to send their positive thoughts and support Alex's way," he said.

"We're so proud of Alex and can't wait to celebrate his achievements on his return!"

While hospital colleagues know about his athletics exploits, Alex said many of his patients might not have realised they were being treated by a future Olympian.

"When I'm at Pindara I don't get too much into what I do, because it's all about the patients, not me. There are a few who know about my journey and I know they'll be cheering me on," he said.

The men's 400m event starts with heats on Sunday 1 August, followed by semifinals on Tuesday and the final on Thursday.

Read more: Skin cancer 'game changer' on Gold Coast

Read more: Imaging innovation frees up cramped theatre

Next News And Innovation:
9/8/2021 Medical milestone for Victorian cancer patient

Previous News And Innovation:
27/7/2021 Doctor shares unexpected life lessons