Bonnie Chivers: A Journey of Resilience Through Sports and Rehabilitation
Bonnie Chivers is no stranger to resilience. A dedicated teacher and mother of two young boys, aged 3 and 5, she has always managed to balance the demands of her career and family life with her deep passion for sports. From a young age, Bonnie’s athletic spirit pushed her to compete at a high level, excelling in various sports, including rugby, hockey, netball, and Gaelic football. She played rugby at a regional level, a sport that requires both physical and mental toughness, and was an integral part of the Dartmouth Gig Club’s and women’s hockey team. In addition, her participation in netball for the Bahrain Rugby Club and Gaelic football showcased her versatility as an athlete and her willingness to embrace challenges across different sports.
However, Bonnie’s journey has not been without significant challenges. Her athletic career came to an abrupt halt following two anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures, which can be a career-ending injury for many athletes. ACL injuries are notoriously difficult to recover from, often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation. For Bonnie, this meant the painful decision to step away from her beloved rugby and other sports for a period. Yet, despite the setbacks, she never lost her passion for athletics and her drive to stay active.
While the first two ACL injuries were major obstacles, Bonnie’s determination remained strong. After each injury, she worked diligently to regain her strength and mobility. Even though these injuries forced her to reconsider her approach to sport, she continued to stay active in other areas, balancing her love for competitive sports with the realities of her physical limitations and the demands of being a mother and teacher.
Unfortunately, Bonnie faced a third ACL rupture, which could have easily felt like the final blow to her athletic ambitions. For someone who has faced repeated setbacks, this third rupture was both physically and emotionally challenging. However, Bonnie’s story is one of relentless perseverance. Rather than giving up, she sought out expert help and found it at Poseidon Performance, where she began her rehabilitation journey under the guidance of Nicholas.
Nicholas, a former Royal Marines Commando Physical Training Instructor, understood the complexities of Bonnie’s injury and the physical and mental hurdles that come with repeated ACL tears. With his experience in performance coaching and exercise rehabilitation, Nicholas designed a personalised rehabilitation program for Bonnie, focused not just on recovery but also on rebuilding her strength and ensuring long-term injury prevention. The program includes a combination of strength training, mobility work, and sport-specific rehab exercises, all tailored to Bonnie’s unique needs and goals.
Throughout her rehabilitation process, Bonnie has shown incredible determination. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with her rehab sessions is no small feat, yet she remains committed to her recovery. Her journey with Nicholas has allowed her to regain confidence in her body, rebuild strength, and look toward a future where she can return to the sports she loves.
What makes Bonnie’s story so inspiring is her resilience. She could have walked away from sports after her first or second ACL injury, yet she chose to keep pushing forward. Even after a third rupture, she has maintained a positive outlook and continues to work toward recovery. With the support of Poseidon Performance, Bonnie is not only overcoming her injuries but also setting an example for others about the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Bonnie’s story is a testament to her strength, both on and off the field. As she continues her rehabilitation journey, she inspires those around her, showing that with the right mindset and support, it is possible to come back from even the most difficult setbacks.
