The Journey of an Olympian: From Athlete to Osteoporosis Advocate

A Life Defined by Athletic Excellence

My journey with osteoporosis is deeply intertwined with my identity as an athlete. Sports have always been a vital part of my life. At Stanford University, I competed on the varsity cross-country and fencing teams. As a junior, I was the silver medalist in the 1973 Modern Pentathlon World Championships. Two years later, I won the North American Championship, and in 1976, I was a member of the United States Olympic Modern Pentathlon Team, which competed in the XXI Olympiad in Montreal.

As an athlete, I pushed my body to its limits, competing in demanding, multi-discipline sports that tested my endurance, strength, and resilience. My experience with bones—broken ones—began in 1972 when I competed to become one of the four athletes on the modern pentathlon Olympic team. Despite facing numerous physical challenges, including a serious injury during the trials, I continued to press on, driven by my passion for sports and competition.

The Unexpected Diagnosis

At the age of 45, my world was turned upside down. While training for a triathlon, I experienced a sudden, sharp pain in my hip. Subsequent medical examinations, including X-rays, an MRI, a nuclear medicine bone scan, and a DXA scan, revealed micro-fractures and severe osteoporosis. My initial reaction was one of shock and disbelief. As an Ironman triathlete and former Olympian, I had always prided myself on my physical fitness and strength. The diagnosis of osteoporosis—a disease associated with frailty—was a devastating blow to my self-identity.

In my book, Great Bones – Taking Control of Your Osteoporosis, I recount this pivotal moment: “Hip X-rays, an MRI, a nuclear medicine bone scan, and finally, a DXA scan revealed micro-fractures—multiple tiny breaks in my hip and severe osteoporosis. I didn’t understand the terminology related to the diagnosis: a T-score of -4.3 (and later that of -4.5) was a mystery. But I realized something was terribly wrong when the technician blurted out, ‘Wow! You have worse bone density than a hundred-year-old woman!'”

Turning Devastation into Determination

The diagnosis of severe osteoporosis marked a turning point in my life. Faced with the prospect of living with a debilitating condition, I resolved to learn everything I could about osteoporosis and how to combat it. This determination was fueled by my background in biology and chiropractic medicine, as well as a deep-seated passion for helping others.

I immersed myself in research, seeking to understand the complex science behind bone health. I learned that osteoporosis is not just a condition of old age but a metabolic bone disease that can affect individuals of all ages, including men. My journey into the world of bone health was both humbling and enlightening. As I explain in my book, “Although I was devastated by my diagnosis, I became enthralled by the science and mystery behind the disease. In fact, it was this combination of total devastation and a natural fascination with all things biological and medical that placed me smack dab in the middle of the world of bone—specifically, that of osteoporosis.”

Becoming an Advocate for Bone Health

My personal battle with osteoporosis inspired me to become an advocate for bone health. I wanted to share my knowledge and experiences with others, helping them to understand and manage this silent epidemic. I wrote The Whole-Body Approach to Osteoporosis, which was published in 2009, to provide a comprehensive guide for improving bone strength through a blend of traditional and holistic methods.

In my most recent book, Great Bones – Taking Control of Your Osteoporosis (2023), I delve deeper into the science of osteoporosis, offering insights and strategies for achieving optimal bone health. My goal is to empower both patients and healthcare professionals with the knowledge needed to combat this disease effectively.

A Comprehensive Approach to Bone Health

Through my books and practice, I advocate for a comprehensive approach to bone health that integrates traditional and holistic strategies. This approach includes proper nutrition, regular exercise, and lifestyle modifications, in addition to medical treatments. As I emphasize, “Taking control of your bone health involves a commitment to understanding and integrating these various approaches into your daily life.”

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health. A diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and other essential nutrients supports bone formation and maintenance. Regular weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and resistance training, are vital for stimulating bone growth and maintaining bone density.

Additionally, lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress are crucial for overall bone health. Educating patients about these risk factors and preventive measures is essential for empowering them to take control of their bone health.

Inspiring Others to Take Charge

My journey from being an Olympic athlete to dealing with osteoporosis has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, determination, and the importance of taking proactive steps to manage one’s health. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to take charge of their bone health, irrespective of their background or circumstances.

Osteoporosis is a silent epidemic that affects millions of people worldwide. It is crucial that we raise awareness about this condition and encourage early diagnosis and proactive management. By combining traditional medical treatments with holistic strategies, we can offer a more effective and comprehensive approach to managing osteoporosis.

In my practice, I have seen firsthand the benefits of this integrated approach. Patients who adopt both traditional and holistic strategies often experience significant improvements in their bone health and overall well-being. My hope is that by sharing my journey and insights, I can help others to take control of their bone health and live more vibrant, active lives.

Conclusion

The journey from being an Olympic athlete to an osteoporosis advocate has been challenging yet profoundly rewarding. Through my experiences, I have gained a deep understanding of the complexities of bone health and the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing osteoporosis.

In Great Bones – Taking Control of Your Osteoporosis, I provide detailed insights and strategies for improving bone health. By following these guidelines and adopting a holistic approach, individuals can take proactive steps towards preventing osteoporosis and maintaining strong, healthy bones throughout their lives.

Remember, it is never too early or too late to start caring for your bones. With the right nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices, you can support your bone health and enjoy a vibrant, active life. Through education and awareness, we can empower individuals to take control of their bone health, reduce the incidence of fractures, and improve the quality of life for millions of people affected by this silent epidemic.