U.S. Women’s Ski Team
New Zealand Training Camp
August, 2008
The snow might not fly in Vail for another few months, but the women on the US Ski Team have already set their edges and ripped up some solid runs in the Southern hemisphere! One of the first training camps of the ‘08-‘09 season started in New Zealand and everyone (myself included) was anxious to get on snow. What a place it was for getting everyone back into the winter season. The views were breathtaking, the snow was in good condition, and the team was healthy.
(Picture 1) New Zealand Mountains
The medical staff that travels with the team consists of a physical therapist, a doctor, and myself, an athletic trainer. This trip, Dr. Jack Eck from Vail Valley Medical Center traveled with us. He has worked with the ski team many times before and the trips to New Zealand are his favorite. The three of us work closely together and provide the women medical care far from home. My role as an athletic trainer includes prevention of injury, injury evaluation, emergency management, treatment of injury, aiding physiological recovery, and health education. I am with the team from sun-up to sun-down, on and off the ski hill.
(Picture 2)Tara Cook PT, Dr. Jack Eck, Brandie Yeik ATC
New Zealand was a great trip! Between on-hill training and dry-land, we did get to play a little. I got suckered into a thrilling jetboat ride, checked out a local sheep station, and tasted some of New Zealand’s famous wines. Next, we are off to Chile!
(Picture 3) Early morning on the hill
(Picture 4) Traveling with the ski team takes a lot of equipment
