The Unsung Heroes Behind Olympic Success
The journey to the Olympics is one rife with sweat, exertion, and every so often, injury. More than that, behind every Olympian, is a tale of resilience and recovery—stories in which physical therapy plays a leading role. Unsung heroes of many top athletes, these are the physical therapists to whom they owe a debt of gratitude for assistance getting through debilitating injuries or for maintaining peak performance. Let us look at the stories of some of the Olympic champions who inspire us and learn how physical therapy helped them achieve the impossible.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: Hurdling Over Obstacles
One of the big names in track and field, especially in women's 400m hurdles, is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. In the past, she had multiple injuries. Getting help from her physical therapist, she started to regain strength and stability of her legs with the PT program specially made for her. This program includes many techniques of physiotherapy, like aquatic therapy and resistance training. McLaughlin-Levrone's journey became evidence of the vital importance of physical therapy in athletic rehabilitation.
Noah Lyles: Sprinting Back to Victory
Noah Lyles, another sprinter to watch out for and expected to shine in Paris, had also turned his career around hugely with the help of physical therapy. After his hamstring issues, Lyles undertook a strict regimen of PT: specialized massage therapy, electrotherapy, and even specific exercises aimed at strengthening hamstrings to prevent future hamstring injuries. "Physical therapy has been a huge aspect of my career," Lyles says. "That's really helped me stay on track and realize my dreams."
Lindsey Horan: Soccer Star
Lindsey Horan, who plays a very significant role for the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team and captained the team to Paris, has always battled numerous injuries throughout her career. She's also been able to recover due to physical therapy that focuses on maintaining her strength and not allowing an injury to strike again. It was that resilience and PT support that kept Horan at the top of her game, ready to lead her team for a silver medal in the Olympics.
Jordan Larson: Volleyball Veteran
Jordan Larson, captain of the U.S. women's volleyball team, has faced various injuries that required extensive physical therapy. Her PT regimen focused on enhancing strength, flexibility, and recovery, which has been crucial in maintaining her peak performance. As a result, Larson has been able to lead her team effectively through the tournament.
Elise Cranny: Track and Field Success
Elise Cranny competed in the women's 5000m at the Olympics in Paris. Cranny has faced many challenges in her career, including injuries that required a very grueling and specialized physical therapy regimen. After targeted PT for endurance and injury prevention, she successfully overcame her issues and is now competing to make the podium in Paris.
Stephanie Rovetti: Rugby and Occupational Therapy
Stephanie Rovetti has toed a fine line of balancing the USA Rugby team with an intense occupational therapy schedule. Rovetti is definitely an athlete who can attest to the necessity of rest, recovery, and mental preparation alongside training.
Kevin Durant: Basketball Comeback
NBA superstar Kevin Durant faced a significant calf strain earlier this year that almost kept him from participating in his fourth Olympics. His rigorous physical therapy regimen included strength training and advanced treatments to manage pain and inflammation, which allowed him to make a triumphant return and be a key player for Team USA in Paris.
Jordyn Poulter: Volleyball Recovery
USA volleyball player Jordyn Poulter faced a severe knee injury that required extensive physical therapy. After spending six weeks on crutches due to her meniscus injury, Poulter began her rehabilitation journey with physical therapist Wes Riggs at Pro Active Physical Therapy in Aurora, CO, one of the clinics within the Physical Rehabilitation Network. The compassionate expertise of the Pro Active team has been essential to her return to elite competition, allowing her to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Suni Lee: Overcoming Health Challenges
Suni Lee's journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics was marked by overcoming significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease in 2023. With a tailored physical therapy regimen, she managed to regain her strength and returned to elite competition. Her remarkable comeback has been an inspiration to many, proving the critical role of physical therapy in her recovery and success.
Simone Biles: Mental and Physical Recovery
Simone Biles' return to the 2024 Paris Olympics was not only a testament to her physical strength but also her mental resilience. After withdrawing from several events in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to mental health challenges, Biles worked extensively with her therapist to prepare for Paris. Her regimen included both physical therapy for a lower-left leg injury and mental health sessions to ensure she was competition-ready. Biles' dedication paid off, and she returned to the world stage, demonstrating the vital role of comprehensive therapy in her comeback.
Role of Physical Therapists
All these elements make physical therapists an essential part of the life of athletes, in helping with the recovery from injuries and prevention. Sports medicine has gone to an innovative level with the help of modern techniques, now in practice, such as manual therapy, strengthening, cryotherapy, and laser techniques. Dr. Sarah Johnson is among the leading physical therapists who have done work with many Olympians. As she puts it, "Our aim is to maximize athletes' potential by having them at their physical best. PT is all about making them more robust and durable in their sport."
The Science Behind Recovery
It is common knowledge that physical therapy forms a vital aspect of sports recovery. Such research demonstrated that targeted PT intervention can dramatically reduce recovery times and improve performance. It has become even easier for new technologies, such as biomechanical analysis and customized recovery programs, to enable athletes to bounce back from their injuries within the shortest time possible.
A journey to the Olympics is not just an athletic challenge; it must contain physical therapy. Just ask Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Noah Lyles, Lindsey Horan, Jordan Larson, Elise Cranny, Stephanie Rovetti, Kevin Durant, Jordyn Poulter, Suni Lee and Simone Biles—all heroes whose comebacks have underscored that, with PT, even the most formidable injuries can be conquered.
Inspired by these stories? Discover more about how physical therapy can support athletes of all levels. Explore the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine for comprehensive resources and information. And don't forget to support your favorite athletes as they showcase their strength and resilience!