As I’ve mentioned in previous newsletters and blogs this year, 2024 marks my 20th year as a chiropractor. It wouldn’t, therefore, be proper to not comment on the just-finished summer Olympics. The Olympics represent the pinnacle of athletic achievement, competition, and joy of sport and athletics. Sports and athletics attracted me to this profession. By no stretch of the imagination am I Olympic caliber in sports or athletics. However, my interest in athletics made me interested in the human body – both the highs of athletic performance and the lows of physical injury and pain. Thanks to the staggered format of the summer and winter Olympics, whether you’re a sports junkie like me all-year-round, or an Olympics-only type of sports fan, every two years we get to watch athletes from all over the world show off their athletic prowess. In real-time, we witness the jubilation of success and the devastation of failure.
Be Proud, Be Motivated
Even though I, and most of us, will never be the best at our sport, or be as strong, fast, or as fit as an Olympian, I still find the Olympics incredibly motivating. I marvel at the sheer strength, power, and mobility of the gymnasts. Shout-out to Canadian gymnastic veteran Ellie Black, and the G.O.A.T, Simone Biles! I’m in awe of the speed of the runners – all distances (at my best I can run 5,000 meters in 25 minutes – a mere 12 minutes off the Olympians’ times). Big Canadian shout-out to legend, Andre De Grasse (and his relay teammates), and Marco Arop. As a former amateur triathlete, I’m always impressed with the triathletes who excel in not one or two, but three sports – quite literally the opposite of a common amateur triathlete mantra: ‘Why suck in one sport, when you can suck in three!’ And, of course, another huge Canadian shout-out to swimming legend, at only 17 years old, Torontonian Summer McIntosh: 4 Medals, including 3 Golds!!! There were so many impressive performances over the past two weeks. Who knew Canada was so good at throwing the hammer?! Canadians also won medals in tennis, canoe, rowing, judo, pole vault, trampoline, rugby, weightlifting, fencing, taekwondo, and boxing. And, last, but not least, Canadian Phil “Wizard” won gold in breaking. Leading up to the Olympics many (myself included) scoffed at the inclusion of breakdancing in this summer’s Olympics. Once the Olympics got started, I changed my tune and predicted that breakdancing might not only be worthy but may prove to be the most entertaining. Well, were you not entertained?! Australian female breaker aside (if you know you know), the breaking was an incredible display of musicality and athleticism. And look at those physiques! Don’t tell me those breakers aren’t athletes.
All Ages
As impressive as it is to witness a 25-year-old athlete, in their peak physical state, break a world record, it is also incredible to witness a 44-year-old athlete compete in her third Olympics, running an incredibly difficult marathon course in just 2 hours, and 31 minutes. Huge shout-out to Canadian Malindi Elmore!
A patient mentioned to me that the Olympics is incredibly inspiring for young kids to enter the world of athletics. Yes! This is a well-documented aspect of the Olympics. But, for those of us who have missed our moment to become an elite athlete, I implore you to be as equally inspired by these Olympians as your kids might be. While a medal may not be in your future, improved strength, mobility, speed, power, athleticism, fitness and HEALTH are all still very viable results of Olympic inspiration. Get consistent with your training at whatever sport(s) you enjoy. Set goals for yourself. Track your changes. You don’t have to be the best – just the best you can be.
Behind The Scenes
It’s not all broken records at the Olympics. Broken bones, torn muscles, sickness, and injury all play a role behind the scenes and leading up to the games. I feel terrible for the athlete that makes it to the Olympics, but cannot compete or cannot compete at their best due to injury. So, another huge shout-out to the physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, psychologists, trainers, and coaches who all play crucial roles in the athletes’ lives. Physical and mental care is a necessity for the athlete to have a chance to be their best. And, similarly, physical and mental care is a necessity for you to have a chance to be your best. So, if chiropractic care is important enough for the Olympians, it is certainly important enough for you. Don’t let your injuries linger, or put off treatment due to lack of time. After all, it may cost you a medal. Or, worse, your health.
At the time of writing this article, it’s only the Monday following the conclusion of the Olympics. I miss them already.