OLYMPIC finalist Sara Treacy, a doctor from the Alexandra Hospital, has returned to Redditch.

Sara who ran the 3,000 metre steeplechase race representing her home country, the Republic of Ireland in the Rio Olympic games.

After being dramatically tripped in her qualifying heat, Sara was reinstated by Olympic officials and qualified in time for the final.

Following the excitement of her first Olympic experience, Sara has now started working for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, in her latest placement caring for patients on the Short Stay Unit at the Alexandra Hospital.

Sara said: "I’ve always wanted to go to the Olympics and everyone says it’s this amazing experience, and it really is. Getting into the final was amazing, but putting that aside, the whole experience was just fantastic.

"Mixing with hundreds of elite athletes from different sports and from all over the world was incredible. It was really special getting a snapshot of so many different world views in one place.

"The feeling of support I had from back home and across Worcestershire was amazing. I got so many well wishes from local Redditch people who saw my story online and in the paper. It was very nice to feel so well supported by the local community and hospital trust.

"I’m excited to be starting back at the Alex - everyone is always lovely so it’s easy to fit back in."

A spokesperson for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust added: "We were delighted to see Sara realise such a great personal achievement. We were all behind her when she competed at the Games, and Sara’s success created a great sense of excitement and pride amongst staff across all of our hospitals.

"We’re thrilled to have Sara back with us at the Alexandra Hospital but we’re glad she had such a fantastic experience in Rio."

Sara’s next big challenge is the European Cross Country Championships in December, before aiming to qualify for the World Athletics Championships in London next summer.