Tom Heeley’s 2025 Impact: Elevating GB Sport Through Expert Support

At Optimum Derby, our commitment to providing top-tier sports therapy in Derby, physio in Derby, and injury rehab in Derby is elevated by the work of our Clinical Director, Tom Heeley. This year, Tom’s clinical excellence has made a tangible impact across several GB performance pathways—including Aquatics, Snowsport, and Weightlifting—as well as in long-term planning for LA 2028.

Six Months with GB Aquatics: World-Class Rehab at Loughborough

Tom devoted six months to working with GB Aquatics at their Loughborough National Centre, supporting elite swimmers in their preparation for the World Championships. His role included:

  • hands-on soft tissue therapy and sports massage

  • injury assessment and proactive load management

  • designing return-to-training rehab plans

  • on-deck support during high-intensity training blocks

By bringing his sports therapy in Derby-level clinical care to the national training centre, Tom helped swimmers maintain training continuity and reduce injury risk in a critical phase of their prep.

Ongoing Support for GB Snowsport: Toward the 2026 Winter Olympics

Tom continues to provide vital support for GB Snowsport, particularly in the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics. His contributions include:

  • injury prevention programming tailored to high-impact snow disciplines

  • conditioning and recovery protocols specific to on-snow training and competition

  • rehabilitation plans for athletes recovering from acute injuries

  • integrated care combining gym-based work and on-snow demands

This sustained involvement shows how the principles of injury rehab in Derby at Optimum Derby are effective on the global stage.

New Role with GB Weightlifting: Strength in Precision

In 2025, Tom began working with GB Weightlifting, bringing his expertise to a new performance discipline. He supports the weightlifting programme through:

  • biomechanical screening and movement analysis

  • injury risk management specific to Olympic lifts

  • long-term rehabilitation frameworks

  • competition prep and recovery strategies

His entry into GB Weightlifting underscores the versatility of his physio in Derby and sports therapy skill set.

Long-Term Vision: Building Toward LA 2028

Tom is also part of a multi-year strategy to prepare GB athletes for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. His work in this area involves:

  • athlete monitoring and performance trend analysis

  • periodised rehab and training frameworks across quadrennials

  • early-stage injury mitigation and longevity planning

  • close collaboration with GB performance staff and coaches

This proactive approach reflects Optimum Derby’s philosophy of not just helping athletes bounce back, but helping them progress sustainably.

Why This Matters for Optimum Derby Clients

The expertise Tom brings from working with GB performance pathways directly benefits our local clients in Derby:

  • You receive sports therapy and physiotherapy informed by elite-level clinical decision-making.

  • Our injury rehabilitation plans use the same evidence-based, long-term frameworks that Tom applies on the world stage.

  • Clients benefit from continuity, quality, and a performance-focused mindset that is embedded in every treatment and rehab plan.

Looking Ahead

With Tom’s ongoing involvement in GB Aquatics, GB Snowsport, and GB Weightlifting—and his strategic role in the LA 2028 cycle—Optimum Derby is uniquely placed to bring elite-level sports therapy in Derby, expert physiotherapy in Derby, and cutting-edge injury rehab in Derby to all clients. Whether you’re recovering from injury or training for performance, that same world-class mindset powers our clinic work.

Tom Heeley