It takes a village to keep the athletes of team USA in tip-top shape.
Here’s what it’s like to be a doctor at the Olympics.
Hell work with the team to keep them healthy in and out of the pool.
How do doctors get selected for the Olympics?
Swimming was really getting some buzz, he says.
He threw his name in the hat, and one year later, he got the call from theU.S.
sports medicine doctor atSeattle Children’s HospitalandUW Medicinein Seattle, Washington
While there, he says he helped support the team with medical care.
According to theUSOPC website, doctors apply through the committees sports medicine volunteer program.
Dr. Krabaks first official Olympic Games was in Athens in 2004 as a general practitioner.
The 2024 Paris Olympics will be his first Games as a doctor exclusively working with swimmers.
Team USA doesnt take justanyoneto the Olympics.
You have to understand the complexity of prevention and treatment.
What does a day look like when youre a doctor at the Games?
At the Games, routine is key to maintain structure and focus for the athletes.
Once there, Dr. Krabak says his day starts at 5 a.m. at the teams morning pool sessions.
sports medicine doctor atSeattle Children’s HospitalandUW Medicinein Seattle, Washington
Athletes will then rest in the afternoon and visit a massage therapist before evening training sessions.
The unique piece thats added with the Games is drug testing after an athlete wins a medal.
We typically accompany them to drug testing, just in case there are any issues, Dr. Krabak adds.
But its not just the athletes that need to stay healthy.
Self-care is just as important.
I cant take care of athletes if Im falling over on the side and not taking care of myself.
So we all have the opportunity to take short breaks.
Ive seen them grow up.
Its like watching your kids grow up.
Whats something the average person wouldnt know about the USA swim team?
These athletes are like you and I.
They get up and joke around, and they are extremely gifted and dedicated to what they do.
Sometimes we lose that personal aspect of it.
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