With a little more than 24 hours until the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games, it's worth remembering that in 1979, track and field star Dwight Stones broke barriers and thrust chiropractic care into the Olympic spotlight in an interview on national TV, where he spoke about the important work being done by Leroy Perry, DC.
Now, a little more than 30 years later, there will 28 DCs in the Olympic polyclinic--a multi-disciplinary medical services team provided by the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games--led by Tom Greenway, DC. In addition, there are 27 other DCs working with foreign countries and teams from around the world, including ACA's very own District of Columbia Delegate Angela Salcedo, DC, who is the team doctor of chiropractic for the British Virgin Islands.
While no medals have been awarded in London just yet, doctors of chiropractic across the country, many of whom are ACA members, have been making news over the past couple of months. ACA member James Parker, DC, a former hammer-throwing Olympian, provided chiropractic services for athletes at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in June. While they're at the games, the U.S. track team will be treated by ACA member Joel Bienenfeld, DC.
It's no surprise that athletes and coaches both sing the praises of the services provided by doctors of chiropractic. Swimmer Michael Phelps, the star of the Beijing Olympics who will be competing at his third Olympic games, cites Graston Technique as essential to his recovery after hard workouts. Additionally, Terry Schroeder, DC, ACA member and head coach of the U.S. water polo team, makes sure his athletes receive regular chiropractic care to improve their long-term health and to maximize their performance at the Olympics.
