Rugby / best of 2021
Simi Pam: Bristol24/7’s sportsperson of 2021
In every Barbarians squad there is an uncapped player. This year, it was Simi Pam, who ended up scoring a try in front of a world record crown for a women’s rugby match at Twickenham.
She also did TikTok dances on the pitch alongside World Cup winners and Olympic medallists.
Not bad for someone who only started playing rugby four years ago while she was a medical student at the University of Bristol and who now combines her duties in the front row for Bristol Bears with work as a doctor.
is needed now More than ever
The day after Bristol24/7 spoke to Pam, she would learn that she had sustained a grade two MCL tear on her left knee, which was due to keep her out of action for ten to 12 weeks.
But in typically upbeat fashion, the 26-year-old has promised to return to the pitch “stronger and better”.
Listen to Simi Pam on the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Pam began 2021 working in a hospital that was battling against the coronavirus pandemic while there was huge doubt over whether Bristol’s league games would even be able to be completed.
“In terms of rugby I hadn’t set any targets but just wanted to enjoy playing,” Pam told the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast.
“Rugby was my release from work, all the stresses and all the emotions that I was having to deal with.
“I just wanted to play as much as I could and enjoy it as much as I could. That really was it.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CW1lKt4o5sl/
2021 was not even finished for Pam following her injury, with her stunning solo try against Sale Sharks for the Bears featuring at number 50 on Squidge Rugby’s greatest rugby moments of the year.
“Ridiculous,” said commentator Robbie Owen. “Simi Pam is an everlasting delight.”
Main photo: JMP
Read more: Simi Pam scores on Barbarians debut in front of world record crowd
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