Concordia athletic therapy instructor shines at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in South Korea
Victoria Robinson-Mozejko: “These multisport games are always such an enriching experience.”
Team Canada scored six medals at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, held in Gangwon, South Korea, from January 19 to February 1. Such victories are due not only to the athletes but a wide network of professionals dedicated to supporting athletic excellence.
One such individual is Victoria Robinson-Mozejko, BSc 11, GradCert 16, clinical instructor with the Athletic Therapy Clinic at Concordia’s School of Health. “I was at a number of events for pre- and post-competition treatments and assessments and to support the athletes with whatever they needed,” she explains of her duties.
‘I loved seeing our young athletes excel in sport’
How did the opportunity to work at the Winter Youth Olympics come about?
Victoria Robinson-Mozejko: There is an application process for major games through the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association for both chief medical officer positions and the Health Services Team. These applications are reviewed by the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), and they select the team. In this case I also had to interview.
What goes into preparing for an event like this?
VRM: The team needed to review the medical equipment and supplies, complete various athlete safety trainings — anti-doping, etcetera — and familiarize themselves with the athletes and venues. The COC also had to set up the clinic at the athlete’s village, review athlete health questionnaires and schedule the health-care team at the various competitions. Not to mention packing for three weeks in one suitcase!
What were your main responsibilities?
VRM: The Health Services Team provided medical services for the 79 athletes, 32 coaches and support staff. I was at various sporting events for pre- and post-competition treatments and assessments and to support the athletes with whatever they needed. We also had to intervene on the field of play, where there were more severe injuries. On our off time, we were in the clinic and cheering on our athletes.
What are some of the common issues athletes face while competing, and how does an athletic therapist help?
RM: Athletic therapy is a wonderful profession centred around helping athletes and active individuals with their musculoskeletal and sports-related injuries. We not only provide sports first-responder services on the field, but also treatment in the clinic, using both manual therapy and strength and conditioning principles to get our patients back to the activities and sports they love.
What were some of the most impactful moment at the games?
VRM: These multisport games are always such an enriching experience. I loved representing Team Canada and seeing our young athletes excel in sport. The people I met and the relationships I made were the best part, though. And the pin trading was quite a serious unofficial sport.
Learn more about the Concordia School of Health’s Athletic Therapy Clinic. The clinic is open to the public and offers accessible and affordable assessment and treatment options in state-of-the-art facilities complete with Swim-Ex aqua-therapy pool. The student-run clinic supports innovative research studies while providing clients with the opportunity to benefit from the highest-quality preventative and therapeutic care.
