Jeff Hartwig, Oldest American To Qualify for the Olympic Team in the Pole Vaulting Event, Attributes Success to Chiropractic Care
CARMICHAEL, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
At age 40, Jeff Hartwig goes on record as the oldest member of the
2008 Olympic U.S. Track and Field team, competing in the pole vault
event. A two time Olympian and four-time national champion, Hartwig
holds the American indoor pole vaulting record and attributes much of
his athletic success to chiropractic care.
"The first time I was treated by a chiropractor was akin to a
miracle -- a much better option than simply using conventional
medicine because my injuries healed faster and my whole body felt
better," said Hartwig during an interview conducted a week prior to
the Olympic events.
Just shy of his 41st birthday, Jeff is one of the three U.S. pole
vault athletes competing in Beijing. He vaulted 18 feet, eight inches
to become the oldest American to qualify for the Olympic team in his
event. Hartwig finished 11th at the 1996 Games in Atlanta and went on
to set the American record in 1998 at 19 feet, 9 1/4 inches.
"Without chiropractic care, I doubt that I would ever have been
able to reach these levels or be able to train at such an intense
level," said Hartwig.
Jeff is treated by U.S. Olympic Committee team chiropractor Ted
Forcum, D.C. of Tigard, Ore., one of four doctors of chiropractic
joining the 62-member U.S. Olympic healthcare team for the 2008
Olympic Games.
"Chiropractic fulfills a niche need, not only by treating injuries
but also by aiding in recovery and positively impacting athletic
performance," said Forcum. "Chiropractors promote active care and
treatment with a commitment to healthy progression and
rehabilitation."
Since the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, New York,
chiropractors have provided healthcare services to elite performers,
and this year chiropractors will assume an even greater role in the
integrated healthcare team, which includes medical doctors, massage
therapists, and certified athletic trainers.
In addition to the four chiropractors who will provide care to the
U.S. Olympic athletes, chiropractors from around the world will be
joining their respective Olympic teams in providing safe and effective
healthcare. Team chiropractors will be present from New Zealand, the
United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, and China among others.
About F4CP
The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress is a 501c6 corporation
that represents a cross section of the chiropractic and vendor
communities with the goal of increasing the public's awareness of the
benefits of chiropractic. www.F4CP.org.
for The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress
Jessica Giordano, 201-641-1911 x35
jgiordano@cpronline.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
