A resident doctor who worked in Critical Care at Aintree University Hospital has won a bronze medal for England at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Dr Sylvia Misztal, 27, represented England in cycling while completing a rotation at the Liverpool hospital, securing a place on the podium after having just five weeks to prepare with her teammate ahead of the Games.
The achievement marks a major sporting milestone for Sylvia, who had previously considered stepping away from competitive cycling and admitted she never expected to reach the Commonwealth Games.
Alongside the demands of elite sport, Sylvia has been building her career in medicine and credits her experience as a doctor with helping her develop the resilience and ability to perform under pressure needed at the highest level of competition.
Her time at Aintree University Hospital saw her working in Critical Care while continuing to train and prepare for international competition.
Sylvia said:
“Medicine has probably been very useful for my sporting career as it has taught me how to manage stress, trust the process and keep a level head.
“Being happy at work made training a lot easier, and the support from the colleagues I told really spurred me on.”
Returning to the unit at Aintree after winning bronze, Sylvia was greeted with a round of applause from colleagues, who were eager to celebrate her remarkable achievement and see her medal.
Sylvia added:
“I’m hoping my achievement will encourage my colleagues and patients to take up or continue sport.
“You don’t have to compete at an elite level to experience the benefits. Whether it’s cycling, running or simply getting out for a walk, being active can make a real difference to your physical and mental health.”
Sylvia has now moved on to a new medical rotation in Trauma and Orthopaedics in London, but her ambitions on the bike are continuing.
Following her Commonwealth Games bronze medal, she is now targeting selection for the World Championships later this year.
READ MORE: Wrexham Girl Meets Tom Grennan Before Life-Changing Alder Hey Surgery
