With aims of making the sport safe and enjoyable for all participants, national governing body USA Triathlon held its first-ever Medical Multisport Conference on 14-15 November at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
With nearly 50 attendees from across the United States and Mexico, the conference served as an educational tool for members of the medical community, including physicians, physical therapists, nurses, chiropractors and more. A number of race directors and athletes were also in attendance at the conference, which was created to address current issues in the sport, including the roles of medical directors and cardiac endurance.
“The Medical Multisport Conference was a great opportunity for us to showcase medical developments for multisport athletes and event preparation,” said Meg Weagley, USA Triathlon Multisport Education Manager.
“We were fortunate to have an incredible line-up of speakers with diverse backgrounds and perspective. We wanted to increase education for medical professionals at multisport events and address numerous topics surrounding medical care, and the two-day conference accomplished that goal.”
Speakers included members of the conference working committee as well as local experts who work with elite athletes at the Olympic Training Center on a daily basis.
Additionally, professionals specializing in triathlon also presented, including Dr Doug Hiller, who works with the IRONMAN World Championship Medical Team, and Dr Stephen Black, who specializes in working with paratriathletes.
Keynote speaker Travis Tygart offered his perspective as the CEO of the US Anti-Doping Agency alongside USADA’s Director of Science, Dr Matt Fedoruk to open the conference.
With topics covering a variety of key areas in endurance sport, from nutrition and training strategies to medical care at events and an overview of swim safety, the conference allowed those in the medical field to have a better understanding of the necessary considerations for triathlon and endurance sport.
Regardless of the skill level and age of participants, USAT noted that the conference attendees walked away with a wealth of knowledge that will lead to a safer environment for all.
“The Medical Multisport Conference was a great opportunity for the passion of work to intersect with the love of triathlon,” said Ann Gilbert, RN, BSN, CCRN and Chair of the USAT Pacific Northwest Region.
“Topics relevant to training, race day medical emergencies and sometimes subsequent trips to the ICU are key to prevention and treatment of triathlon misadventures. Thanks to the staff at USA Triathlon and the dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers who spoke to us over the weekend.”
