From rugby to rowing, WCH nurse Nikki Ayres has Paris Paralympics gold in her sights

Nikki Ayres dreams of representing Australia at rugby union were shattered by a tackle, but the inspirational WCH midwife has her sights on gold at the Paris Paralympics in rowing.

Women’s and Children’s Hospital nurse and midwife Nikki Ayers is swapping her scrubs for rowing kit for the Paris Paralympics.

The determined sportswoman is representing Australia in PR3 mixed double sculls with her rowing partner Jed Altschwager and as reigning world champions, the duo are favourites for the gold.

In 2016, Nikki’s dream of representing Australia in rugby union was shattered by a traumatic playing injury where she nearly lost a leg.

“I got tackled and dislocated my knee which tore three ligaments, severed an artery and led to nerve damage in my foot,” she said.

Nikki Ayers and rowing partner Jed Altschwager are aiming for rowing gold at the Paris Paralympics.

“I lost all feeling in my foot and couldn’t lift my foot anymore as a result of the nerve damage. I had 16 surgeries over nine months, trying to save my leg from being amputated and reconstruct my knee.

“It was a really hard time. Rugby was my life and when I lost the ability to play, I also lost my identity.

“They told me I’d never run again and I didn’t even know if I was going to keep my leg.

I knew I really had to change my mindset and find myself and my values again.”

Nikki Ayers suffered a traumatic leg injury in a rugby tackle.

Nikki Ayers says playing sport and nursing are a part of her identity. Picture: Paralympics Australia

Nikki’s family was a huge support in her recovery.

She met Jed, who lost his left leg in a workplace accident, when both were in a rowing camp and he also has been inspirational in her recovery.

“When we first met, Jed talked to me about how he got used to having no leg and how I could change my mindset to accept my injured leg – because it’s a part of me and who I am,” she said.

With the Paralympics on the horizon Nikki relocated from Sydney last year to train with Adelaide-based Jed — the pair went on to win the 2023 World Rowing Championship in their division in Belgrade, Serbia.

Nikki Ayers and rowing partner Jed Altschwager.

Nikki says sports and nursing are part of her identity.

“I’ve been a nurse for 12 years, it is a career where you can learn so many skills outside of just how to care for someone,” she said. “It’s unpredictable and when you’re working as a nurse, you know you’re making a difference.

“I get to make people feel better and help them live an awesome and beautiful life.

“My advice to anyone, especially kids who’re going through a hard time, is to not give up on your dreams. Work out how you can achieve it and go for it. Sometimes that goal may change a little, but if you love something, you’ll achieve it.”