How Sports Medicine Opens Doors to Elite Opportunities
For many physical therapists, the career journey starts within the walls of a clinic, where they use their expertise to help patients with rehabilitation, injury recovery, and performance optimization. But for some, like Becky Younger, an athletic trainer and physical therapist at Therapeutic Associates Bethany PT, that path takes a thrilling turn. Recently, Becky’s skills and dedication took her to the international stage when she joined Team USA’s medical staff at the Junior Speed Skating World Championships in Collalbo, Italy.
Her role? Keeping elite athletes performing their best as they raced for gold.
How PT supports elite athletes: a behind-the-scenes look
Becky’s experience in physical therapy has always been rooted in movement and performance — including work with professional and Division 1 athletes — making this opportunity a natural fit.
“What is wonderful about sports medicine is it’s universal. The care these athletes received is the same care I have brought to athletes in the past and to my patients today,” she shared.
During the competition, Becky played a role in injury prevention, recovery, and performance optimization — key elements of sports medicine that ensure athletes can push their limits while staying healthy.
Through the duration of the trip, the care she provide Team USA athletes with was backed by years of experience and the lessons she gained from those who came before her. The standards set by her mentors shaped not only her skills but also her mindset — one that values precision, excellence, and continuous growth.
Becky’s experience in Italy was more than just a professional milestone — it prompted a deeper reflection on the journey that led her to this opportunity.
“I have been very lucky to have worked with mentors in the past that established a high bar of excellence and attention to detail,” Becky shared. “At an event such as World Championships, these details are reflected in my work. Discussing this opportunity with patients gave me moments of reflection on all I have done in my professional career leading me to this point. It is an accumulation of many smaller steps and a celebration of sorts for my persistent drive toward representing Team USA.”
Celebrate National Athletic Training Month: The unsung heroes of sports medicine
Becky’s time with Team USA serves as a timely reminder of the critical role sports medicine professionals play in keeping athletes strong.
March is National Athletic Training Month, a time to recognize the experts who work behind the scenes to prevent injuries, manage rehabilitation, and support performance at every level.
As Becky reflects on her time at the Junior Speed Skating World Championships, she’s already thinking ahead to the future. She’s eager to return and build on her experience, setting her sights on next year’s competition in Inzell, Germany.
“I learned so much about speed skating — small things such as the blades they use and how they are not attached at the heel to the boot, all races are essentially time trials vs one other skater, a newer event called the Mass Start, land-based training tools, and how it is a newer technique to skate with both hands on their backs vs only one.”
Her experience has fueled her desire to continue learning and growing, something she encourages everyone to do.
“Take any opportunity you can to work toward your goals. Be adaptive, take time to explore and say yes to opportunity! I had zero experience with speed skating or winter sport athletes in general heading into this trip. Who knows what this will lead to in my future, but I know I learned a whole lot in a short span of time.”
How a career in physical therapy and athletic training can take you anywhere
For those considering a career in physical therapy or athletic training, Becky’s story is just one example of how it can take you places you never imagined — helping people work toward their goals, whether they’re on the world stage or in your local community.
At Therapeutic Associates, we’re proud of Becky’s work and the way she represents our profession. Her story is a powerful reminder that physical therapy isn’t just about rehabilitation — it’s about movement, performance, and the endless possibilities that come with helping people stay active and strong.
Want to learn more about how you can help athletes at all levels? Explore career opportunities in physical therapy with Therapeutic Associates today.
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At Therapeutic Associates, physical therapists can access unparalleled learning, mentorship, and in-house residency programs to fuel their professional journey. Ready to boost your career? Check out our open positions throughout the Pacific Northwest.
