Olympics 2014: Tahoe Docs Sochi Bound
Dr. Terrence Orr
Barton physicians head to Russia with U.S. Skiing Teams
By Laney Olson
The Olympics are upon us and spectators are engulfed which Tahoe athletes may be headed for a place on the podium. However, behind every successful athlete is a group of men and women who are seldom in the spotlight; the U.S. skiing physicians.
Among them are two local doctors from South Lake Tahoe; Dr. Terrence Orr, Head Physician for the Men’s U.S. Alpine Ski Team, and Dr. Jonathan Finnoff, a team physician for the U.S. Nordic Combined Team.
Dr. Jonathan Finoff
Both men specialize in Orthopedics at Tahoe Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in South Lake Tahoe. Dr. Finnoff also specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Dr. Orr has worked with the U.S. Ski Team since 1988 and became head physician in 2000. He has attended the 2002 and 2006 Olympics along with providing coverage for the World Alpine Skiing Championships.
Dr. Finnoff worked with the U.S. Ski Team at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake Cite at the athlete’s clinics in Soldier Hollow. He met several physicians there and was asked to join the medical team.
“I grew up with a lot of the coaches, trainers and wax technicians [in Boulder, Colorado], so it is like a reunion,” says Dr. Finnoff.
Finnoff is excited for the Sochi Olympics. “After two Olympics with the team, I know all the athletes and they’re like family.”
The U.S. Ski Team has suffered several injuries during the past few seasons, including Bode Miller.
Miller underwent microscopic surgery on his knee in 2012 and took the rest of the season off to heal.
However, everyone has made good recoveries says Dr. Orr
“I’m excited to see everyone is training well. There is no one that is at serious risk [of re-injury].”
Weather will play a huge role for the Nordic Combined Teams says Dr. Finnoff.
“It is warm right where the jump is, it you hit the right wax with the right jump, you’ll do good,” says Dr. Finnoff. “It is a very technical course.”
Both doctors are excited about the team this year and foreshadow a successful Olympics for the U.S.
“The U.S. contingent as a whole is looking really, really good,” says. Dr, Orr
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