Posted on: 16 August 2021
It’s one thing to help patients but to inspire them is an impressive achievement, it’s something many who work in healthcare do but Cyrille Tchatchet II, Physical Health Lead Nurse in Harrow, takes it to a new Olympic level.
Cyrille represented the Refugee Olympic Team in Tokyo this summer and competed in the weightlifting 96kg event.
He was the first weightlifter from the Refugee Olympic Team to compete and lifted a massive 195kg; the crowd supported him all the way and cheered when he raised the bar above his head.
Carrying the Olympic Flag at the opening ceremony was a highlight for Cyrille, he said, “This was a very big honour. It was initiated by the International Olympic committee to include a refugee athlete and represent all the displaced people around the world.”
Before the Tokyo Olympics Cyrille talked about his journey, from being a refugee in the UK, battling with his mental health and finding the determination to qualify as a mental health nurse and become a record-breaking athlete. You can read more here.
The joy on the day Cyrille came back to work was clear to see and given the difficult times healthcare workers have had, experiencing a celebration like this was heart-warming.
At the celebration there was a family atmosphere, staff across Bentley House (where Cyrille is based in Harrow) came to applaud and congratulate him. Staff members were asking Cyrille for photos so they could show their kids and tell them they’ve met a real Olympian, staff were doing weightlifting poses, Cyrille brought back gifts from Tokyo to share with the team and everyone was asking what it was like to compete in the Olympics.
Caroline Whelan, Harrow Psychotropic Medication and Physical Health Team Manager said, “We’re so proud of him. He’s such an amazing person and he brings a tear to all of our eyes. Asking for help isn’t easy and Cyrille has talked about that and for him to share his story, get the help he needed and then go on to achieve what he has gives his patients hope and inspires them on their own recovery journey. When he first came back we just clapped and told him we’re so proud of him because we truly are.”
Claudine Pisani, East alliance Team Manager said, “Cyrille’s story is inspirational. Not only is he an excellent mental health nurse, he’s proven that your physical health and mental health when they come together are really important. I’m very fortunate and lucky to have such a role model in our team.”
Welcome home Cyrille and congratulations, you did us proud!
