Athletes aren’t the only ones with dreams to make it to the Olympics— there are many coaches, trainers and medical personal looking to experience the Games.
Dr. A.J. Monseau is an Assistant Professor at West Virginia, and he’s spent his summer in Rio de Janeiro—combining his love for wrestling with his passion for medicine. He is the physician for Team USA’s wrestlers.
“It’s really a humbling experience to see these guys who are the best in the world for some of them. To come and just be a part of it with them and get to know them and see them go through their journey,” Monseau said.
To get to the Olympics, Monseau first volunteered at local events, then moved on to national events; eventually going on international tours.
“Wrestling has been a central part of my life the entire time and I’ve been lucky enough to get to know some really amazing people this way and see some amazing parts of the world that I never would have been able to see otherwise,” Monseau said.
Fourteen wrestlers represent Team USA— that includes both men and women.
During the competition, Monseau sees a lot of lacerations, but on an average day, things range from colds to infections, to bumps and bruises and concussions.
This is Monseau’s first time volunteering at the Olympics— but he doesn’t want it to be his last.