I have been involved in alpine skiing for nearly 30 years, first as an athlete and then as a coach. I am currently in my 23rd year coaching at the Club de ski Mont-Orford, and I have been head coach since 2020. At the same time, I have been a physiotherapist since 2011, always at the same clinic that I absolutely love.
From the time I was studying, I knew I wanted to work in a private clinic to help athletes and active people quickly regain their abilities and return to their sport. When I discovered that high-level ski teams worked with physiotherapists on the field, I immediately knew that was the path I wanted to follow.
Like many young athletes, I dreamed as a child of taking part in the Olympic Games. Even though I never reached that level as an athlete, life allowed me to be there in a different way. Taking part in the Games as a physiotherapist was a huge personal accomplishment.
The role of the physiotherapist at the Olympic Games
At the Olympic Games, the physiotherapist may be selected by the Canadian Olympic Committee or hired directly by a sports federation, such as Alpine Canada.
In all cases, our role is to support athletes so they can perform at their best while ensuring their safety. We step in both during competitions (for first aid and rapid injury assessment) and afterwards, providing treatments aimed at reducing pain, improving mobility and strength, and promoting an optimal return to sport.
My journey to the Beijing Games
In 2018, I started working with the Canadian men’s alpine ski team after being referred as a physiotherapist who is passionate about skiing and completely comfortable in the mountains. I then traveled with the team for a few assignments, while continuing my work at my clinic in Magog and coaching in Orford.
When I was offered the opportunity to accompany the men’s technical team to the Beijing Olympic Games, I accepted without hesitation. A dream was becoming reality.
@physio.extra Stéphanie est non seulement physiothérapeute, mais également coach de ski alpin, ayant aussi travaillé comme physio avec l’équipe masculine @teamcanada lors des Jeux olympiques de 2022. ⛷ Dans cette première capsule Mouvement Hivernal, réalisée en collaboration avec @oberson.boutique découvrez son parcours inspirant. 💙 Suivez-nous pour ne rien manquer de nos prochaines vidéos, où nous partagerons des conseils pratiques pour vos sorties en ski et en planche à neige! ❄ . . . physiotherapie physio oberson ski olympiques hiver blessures prevention conseils sports hiver coach
My role with the national alpine ski team
With the national team, my role is similar in the World Cup and at the Olympic Games. I treat athletes after their training sessions and competitions, often several times a week, to manage minor aches and pains and prevent more serious injuries.
I also support them during their physical training and, above all, on the mountain. I help prepare the courses, I’m there in case of emergencies, I take video, I carry equipment… and sometimes I even treat an athlete directly in the snow at the bottom of the course so they can continue training.
My experience as a ski coach is a major asset, both for following the team in all conditions and for understanding the technical aspects of skiing and connecting them to physiotherapy.
Unforgettable memories from Beijing
Among the most memorable moments, the Beijing Games mascot, the panda Bing Dwen Dwen, made a strong impression on me. During the very strict COVID restrictions, it brought a touch of warmth and lightness. I have such fond memories of it that I still hang a small mascot keychain on my Christmas tree to this day.
Snowstorms in Beijing also created surprising scenes, with panda-shaped snowmen and streets cleared using brooms made of branches.
A memorable experience
My experience at the Beijing Olympic Games will stay with me forever. This adventure reminded me just how essential the role of the physiotherapist is in high-level sport: supporting, preventing, treating, and helping athletes perform safely. Even today, this experience continues to shape my practice and strengthens my motivation to help every patient, whether an Olympic athlete or a recreational sports enthusiast, reach their full potential.
