Chiropractic and Bobsledding, a Match in Lillehammer

By Editorial Staff

Ninth trimester student Dave Juehring of Palmer College recently returned from the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, where he was the strength and driving coach of the U.S. Bobsled team.

One of the many benefits of attending the Winter Olympics was meeting an interesting group of people, including Hillary Rodham Clinton. "I was able to put in a plug for chiropractic when I talked with her," David said.

A 1992 U.S. national champion in skeleton (bobsledding headfirst), and member of the national championship four-man bobsled team in 1993, David was one of five team coaches for the 12 man U.S. Bobsled team. This was his first coaching work. "I had a blast. Helping the athletes better themselves is rewarding." But he also learned the limitations of the job: "You reach a point where you realize you've given them all you can and that it's up to them."

Participating in the Olympics was the fulfillment of a dream. "Going there gives you a sense of pride, as you really feel what representing your country is like when you are there," David remarked.

The closing ceremonies were a highlight for David: the throng of 50,000 people cheering and the Olympic flame ablaze. "That's when it hit me how awesome this was. Not many people have this kind of opportunity."

Chiropractic and bobsled seemed well matched: Mark Lindsay, DC, (Mesquite, Texas) was there with the Canadian Bobsled team, and John Sandell, DC, (Moscow, Idaho) administered to the Jamaican Bobsled team.