This week we caught up with Crewroom friend and Ambassador – Katy Niccol (code name Pickle) as she took some time out from her busy day job as a Rehab & Sports Physio in Annecy, France. As someone who’s passionate about sport and embraces life in the outdoors, Katy is a tip-top product tester and even tried out our flagship product – The North West Hoodie – when it was being developed back in 2015!
Katy, sport is a big part of your life, both in work and pleasure – tell us a bit about your sporting background.
Basically, I love being outdoors and staying active. Rugby was a big part of my life in my late teens and 20’s – I played club level and at university and then went on to represent Scotland which was a huge honour. After retiring, I carried on with Touch Rugby and played for Scotland at the Touch Rugby World cup in 2011.
Post-team sports, I wanted to challenge myself with something new and got into running, which led to several marathons and half-marathons, which I absolutely loved. These days my go-to activities are ski tours, trail running, climbing/mountaineering and paragliding – I’m lucky enough to live in Annecy and the slopes are my playground!
As a physio, even your day job connects you with sport, tell us more.
After qualifying as a physio, I moved from Glasgow and based myself in London where I worked for both the NHS and private clinics. I also volunteered for physio placements which took me to some amazing places including Nepal, Vietnam and India.
While I was in the UK, I worked at the London Marathon on many occasions and at numerous endurance events, as well as for England Badminton and The Amateur Tour de France (rideleloop.co.uk). I even got to work with tennis ace, Naomi Osaka, for a brief spell!
You now live and work in France, what took you there?
I think my love of the outdoors drove my ambition to work in an alpine environment, doing the job I love. But it wasn’t easy getting here – first of all, I had to master the language! After intensive lessons (and watching many French films late into the night!) I passed the relevant exams and was given a temporary contract in Guernsey before being offered a role in France. I’ve just finished an MSc in Global and Remote Healthcare and I now work full time in a Rehab & Sports clinic near Annecy. When I switch off from work, I take to the slopes and get to enjoy so many outdoor adventures – it’s pretty amazing really.
With temperatures set to drop this weekend, make sure you layer up for whatever outdoor adventure you have planned – check out our North West Hoodie range here…
