Since I last posted, my feet have had a major meltdown, athletics has started in Olympic Stadium, I have met some wonderful athletes and I did some sightseeing. Wait, I posted only two days ago. I guess life just moves extra fast at the Olympics!

Oy, my aching feet! For those of you who know me, you know that I have had struggled with three broken feet in the last 24 months. Yep…It has been an ugly time! But, thanks to my athletic trainer daughter, Jordan, and the rehab program she had me on, I came to London feeling fairly confident that my feet would carry me through.

What I hadn't or couldn't have anticipated was that the trainers (sneakers) that went with my kit (uniforms) would almost do me in! Luckily, I had brought another, well seasoned personal pair with me and with special permission because of my circumstances, I am in a bit better spot now with high hopes for the coming days.

Since being here, I have had the great pleasure to meet and work on athletes from the following counties: Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Finland, France, Guyana, Iceland, Ireland, Island, Jordan, Mali, Nepal, Palau, Togo, Trinidad & Tobago and Tunisia. Truth be told, I needed a map to find some of these places!

The athletes from those countries have or will be competing in the following events: Athletics (multiple track & field events), Boxing (Women's) , Hand Ball, Shooting, Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, Taekwondo as well as some of the team coaches, physio's and the occasional (thank goodness) VIP.

Saturday I had the day off and took a sightseeing tour with some new UK and international friends to Salisbury, Stonehenge and Bath. What a wonderful way to (re)explore the beautiful English Countryside. It was just "Brilliant."

I am anticipating (and hoping!) that this coming week is as, if not more, exciting than my last two. With the Games in full swing now, the stops have been pulled out and the sky is the limit. I know I will be having very long, very physically demanding work hours but the satisfaction I get from working with these appreciative athletes is heartwarming and a great motivator. Many of them may not speak a word of English but the look in their eye, the shake of the hand or the hug around the neck that I get from each and every one of them is, as the American Express commercial says, " Priceless!"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laura Stevenson-Flom is a nationally certified, state-licensed massage therapist with a specialty in sports massage and a private practice in her Colchester home. She will be serving as a volunteer massage therapist at the Summer Olympics, helping assist athletes from around the world. She's been assigned to Athletes' Village, one of seven Olympic Park venues.Find more from Laura at

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