As you may have heard, one of our spine surgeons, Dr. Joel Shobe, was asked to work at the Winter Olympics earlier this year in South Korea. While we were excited to see him go, we were even more thrilled to have him back and hear how his experience went. Here are just a few of his highlights.
- The overall experience was . . . Exciting and gratifying.
- Biggest challenge . . . High-intensity atmosphere.
- Most memorable moments . . . The deafening roar of the crowds, seeing the athletes and fans from North and South Korea come together, and witnessing the success and relief on the faces of the US Ladies’ Long Track Speed Skaters when they won bronze after all of their hard work and training.
- Advice to younger athletes . . . Every athlete has their setbacks; it’s only with patience, perseverance, and smart training that they are able to compete on the Olympic level.
- What he watched in person . . . Men’s hockey, speed skating, and figure skating.
- What we should all know . . . Everyone competing—not just those who won—is an amazing athlete, and they have all earned the right to be called a hero.
- Overall takeaway . . . We all should work to follow the Olympic Creed: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”
Photo: Dr. Shobe’s wife was an official for the speed skating events. Here they are together with the mascots of this year’s games.
