Bridie O'Donnell

Bridie O’Donnell graduated as Valedictorian in Medicine from the University of Queensland in 1999. Moving to Melbourne in 2001, she worked in Intensive Care and as a surgical assistant for six years, during which time she also rowed, winning 7 National Championships. Hanging up her oars, Bridie took up road cycling, and after winning the National Time Trial in 2008, she took time out from Medicine to become a professional road cyclist in Australia and Europe, representing Australia at three World Championships.

In 2013, Bridie returned to medicine, working in Epworth and at Deakin University Medical School, focussing on driving behavioural change to improve the health and wellbeing of her patients. Through her social media and frequent press appearances, including on The Project as the ‘Medical Expert, ’Bridie has built a reputation as a humorous and insightful advocate for women in sport, and for those changing career and taking risks.

From 2013 to 2016, Bridie managed and raced for an Australian National Road Series cycling team and on January 22nd, 2016 she set a UCI Women’s Hour World Record of 46.882km at the Adelaide SuperDrome. In 2017, Bridie was appointed by the Victorian Government as the Head of the Office of Women in Sport and Recreation.