Team members help Olympic athlete prepare for breaking competition

Texas Children’s, part of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee National Medical Network, has been the perfect place for athlete, Jeffrey Louis, to prepare for the Olympic debut of breakdancing at the 2024 Paris Games. After determining his best chance at gold in the inaugural event would require rehabilitating an old injury, Jeffrey became a patient of Sports Medicine and Adolescent Medicine Physician, Dr. Jorge Gomez and sports medicine physical therapist, Jennifer Morgan.

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Dr. Gomez took a comprehensive approach to preparing Jeffrey for Paris. “It’s important to see the athlete as a whole person,” said Dr. Gomez. “We look at any chronic medical conditions the athlete may have. We look at nutritional status and supplements he may be taking. We always ask about sleep because rest is so important for repair and training. For all our athletes – Olympians and non-Olympians, alike – we work to make sure our practice of sports medicine is uniform across the organization. We have incredibly experienced physicians and the best evaluations, therapy and treatment plans.”

Not only was Jeffrey working with the right doctor to prepare for his Olympic dreams, he also connected with the right physical therapist.

Jennifer Morgan enjoyed Jeffrey’s positive attitude and willingness to work. “He was really motivated,” she explained. “Jeffrey didn’t have to stop breakdancing. He was in great condition, even after an injury suffered several years ago. He wanted the best physical functioning to support certain “power moves,” and he wanted to avoid reinjury. We looked at what put him at risk in the first place, worked on mobility issues, incorporated strength training and made sure he did not over train. He was awesome to work with!”

We are certain Jeffrey felt the same way about Jennifer and Dr. Gomez, and Texas Children’s is rooting for our breakdancing Olympic star!