2024 AOSSM Annual Meeting Recordings no CME-Game Changer Session Going for the Gold

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The video features Drs. Jonathan Finoff and Thomas Hackett, along with skier Nina O'Brien, discussing the intersection of sports medicine and Olympic-level skiing. Dr. Finoff, from the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, describes his extensive role managing medical needs for athletes. Dr. Hackett, a seasoned physician for the U.S. ski and snowboard team, introduces skiing prodigy Nina O'Brien.<br /><br />O'Brien recounts her upbringing in San Francisco and how weekend trips to Tahoe evolved into a professional skiing career. She speaks about her influential coaches, meeting role models, and the support of her family. O'Brien also attended Berk Mountain Academy for high school, balancing rigorous academics with competitive skiing.<br /><br />The narrative takes a serious turn when O'Brien speaks about her crash during the Giant Slalom event in the Beijing Olympics, resulting in a compound fracture of her tibia and fibula. She shares her immediate reaction, the medical treatment she received in China, and the subsequent challenges, including a long and uncomfortable flight back to the U.S. for further medical procedures.<br /><br />Strengthening the theme of resilience, O'Brien details her rehabilitation journey, the importance of mental health resources provided by the USOPC, and her eventual return to skiing. However, her comeback saw another setback when she re-injured the same leg, necessitating further surgical intervention.<br /><br />Dr. Finoff elaborates on the logistical complexities and medical preparations necessary for the Olympic Games, highlighting efforts to ensure athletes' mental and physical well-being. Despite setbacks, O'Brien remains determined to pursue her skiing career, aiming for future competitions, including the Milan Olympics. The session concludes with a Q&A where O’Brien and the doctors highlight the mutual dedication of medical professionals and athletes within Olympic sports.

Asset Caption

10:45 am - 11:45 am

Meta Tag

Speaker Nina O'Brien

Speaker Jonathan T. Finnoff, DO, FACSM, FAMSSM, AMSSM

Speaker Thomas R. Hackett, MD

Keywords

Nina O'Brien

Jonathan T. Finnoff, DO, FACSM, FAMSSM, AMSSM

Thomas R. Hackett, MD

sports medicine

Olympic skiing

Jonathan Finoff

Thomas Hackett

Beijing Olympics

rehabilitation

USOPC

mental health

Milan Olympics