Olympic Figure Skaters Offer Wellness Guidance for Amateur Athletes
At the Winter Olympics, figure skaters display sheer elegance on hard ice, making their performances appear effortless. However, these elite athletes grapple with injuries just like weekend warriors who hit the gym, swim, or exercise to stay fit. Gretchen Mohney, director of medical and performance services for U.S. Figure Skating, emphasized from Milan that no top-level athlete is entirely healthy. "It's about managing whatever it is that may be breaking down," she told The Associated Press.
Key Strategies for Injury Management
For Olympic skaters, access to quick treatment is crucial. When issues arise—such as a swollen knee, back pain, or cuts from sharp blades—they rely on physicians, athletic trainers, and physical therapists. Mohney, who holds a doctorate in interdisciplinary health sciences, outlined several red flags and wellness tips for amateur athletes.
- Treat Acute Injuries Immediately: Mohney stressed the importance of recognizing and responding to acute injuries promptly. "Ignoring it usually makes it worse," she said, advising against the old-school philosophy of simply toughing it out.
- Manage Chronic Injuries: Elite skaters cannot afford long breaks, especially during the Olympics. Instead of recommending rest, Mohney focuses on enabling safe performance without causing further harm. Simple interventions, like adding padding to skates, can make a significant difference.
- Maintain Mobility and Avoid Compensation: Stretching and warmups are vital to prevent loss of flexibility. Mohney explained that when mobility decreases, the body compensates, shifting stress to other areas. For skaters, this could impact their ability to execute complex jumps.
- Prevent Overuse: Varying training volume and intensity helps avoid overuse injuries. Skaters train year-round, and Mohney highlighted the example of back pain from repetitive layback spins. "All of our athletes vary their training to allow the body to recover," she noted.
The Reality of Hard Ice and Holistic Health
Dr. Fred Workman, a team physician for U.S. Figure Skating for 25 years, has observed an increase in concussions as skaters push performance limits. "The hard ice always wins," he said, noting that falls often result in injuries like lacerations from blades or issues with hips, knees, ankles, and shoulders—particularly in pairs events where men lift partners overhead.
Workman's role extends beyond diagnosis and treatment to a holistic approach, including stress and mental health management. "Life doesn't always go your way in a judged sport," he remarked, emphasizing the need for mental focus. He also advocates for cross-training and diversifying interests, warning against spending too much time on the ice without off-ice training.
Injury Comebacks and Resilience
The American pairs team of Ellie Kam and Danny O'Shea exemplifies resilience. Kam recovered from a concussion, and O'Shea underwent foot surgery, yet they delivered a standout performance to help the U.S. win gold in the team event. "In the obstacles, we found a way to connect better and be a stronger team," Kam shared.
Deanna Stellato-Dudek, a 42-year-old Canadian pairs skater, emphasized the importance of body care after hitting her head in training. "I treat my body extremely well, which has helped me heal quickly," she told The AP, highlighting habits like avoiding smoking and drinking.
AP sportswriter Dave Skretta contributed from Milan, underscoring the broader focus on wellness in sports coverage.
