Physiotherapy is a core part of an athlete’s repertoire, not only to ensure that they can perform at their most elite, but also to protect them from injury for as long as possible.
However, there are cases where an athlete suffered an injury and chose to rehabilitate the injury using a range of sports therapy techniques, rehabilitation experts and in some cases pure grit and determination.
Here are a few cases when sports therapy saved an athlete’s career.
Lindsay Vonn
One of the single greatest alpine skiers of all time, Lindsay Vonn had an infamous reputation in her prime for returning from seemingly devastating crashes with an even greater will to win.
Possibly the epitome of this happened at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy, where after a terrifying crash that left her hospitalised, she returned to the slope just 48 hours later, placing in the top eight.
Whilst she would have many injuries throughout her record-breaking career, some of which requiring surgery and long layoffs, the Winter Olympics return is arguably the greatest symbol of her determination and will to win.
Kerri Strug
Another example of determination in the face of agony appeared at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta during the Women’s Team Artistic Gymnastics competition.
Part of an exceptional team of women’s gymnasts known as The Magnificent Seven, Kerri Strug was the difference-maker in a long team competition that culminated in the vault.
After tearing ligaments in her ankle after an awkward landing, she realised she would need to make a second attempt with her injury.
Given as much motivation and physiotherapy as was possible in the limited time between jumps, Kerri managed to stick the landing, winning the team gold and becoming a national hero in the process.
Pelé
Edson Arantes do Nascimento is one of the greatest, most successful and most famous footballers of all time, and is credited with the concept of ‘Jogo Bonito’ or The Beautiful Game.
However, his legendary career very nearly ended before it started after a knee injury sidelined him for the first two matches of the 1958 World Cup.
The then-17-year-old superstar recovered in time for the quarter-finals, quickly building up his legacy by scoring six goals in the final three matches and ensuring Brazil won the first of a record five World Cup trophies.
For more information and advice about sports therapy in Maidenhead, get in touch today.
