Jane is a highly awarded and accomplished sports massage therapist who is based in the Tampa Bay area. She recently volunteered to perform massage for athletes at the Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon for the U.S. Track & Field Team! She was kind enough to answer a few questions about her experience working with U.S. athletes, and offered a little advice to those who may be similarly interested in this type of opportunity at future Olympics:
Please talk a little about what you were selected to do.
Jane: I was invited to be a part of an amazing volunteer multidisciplinary team in support of the athletes at the Olympic Team Trials for Track and Field.
Our medical team was made up of sports massage therapists, physical therapists, athletic trainers, chiropractors, and doctors. We worked on athletes from all events in the trials including runners, hurdlers, throwers, etc.
How did you end up being considered and chosen to participate?
Jane: I was personally invited to participate after being recommended by a colleague who has worked as a sports massage therapist at three Olympics.
Would you do it again if asked?
Jane: Yes!
What would you recommend to other massage therapists interested in being asked to participate in this kind of thing in the future?
Jane: I would recommend to any massage therapist who is interested in this type of event to get all of the training and experience in sports massage you can possibly get. You’ll need at least five years of hard work in this field to be considered for an event at this level. It also helps if you are a leader and a teacher.
