Every day has been great here in Beijing, but Wednesday, February 9 will probably be the best.

The morning started with the men’s figure skating finals. Compete client Nathan Chen was in the lead following the short program. He is a three-time world champion and the favorite to win the gold medal. Tensions were pretty high, especially with the expectations and the fact that U.S. figure skater Vincent Zhou had to withdraw a few days earlier due to a positive COVID test.

The crowd grew throughout the competition and seats were full in the athlete section, which included training partners Michal Brezina and 2022 national champion Mariah Bell. As the last group hit the ice, the best in the world were about to compete.

It was finally Nathan’s turn.

He killed it and won the gold medal. Watching him perform, seeing USA athletes cheering and experiencing it all while texting with my kids and friends to share the experience is something I will never forget.

Nathan Chen is an Olympic champion.

After the men competed, it was back to practice with pairs and dance team. Then back to the village for a quick bite. Bonus was getting to sit with Nathan, Mariah and Michal for dinner. After dinner, it was back to the Czech building for a few treatments and then off to the National Indoor Stadium to see China play Team USA in ice hockey.

Cory Kane plays for China and has been a client for eight years. I had never had the chance to see him play and this was my opportunity. Even better, it was at the Olympics against the United States! Cory got a lot of playing time and the game was exciting even though China lost.

On the way out, I was directed through the locker room hallway and ran into Chris Mizer. Chris is the athletic trainer for USA Hockey and was our minor league AT when I was with the Mighty Ducks. A couple of quick hellos and a picture before he had to get back to the room for the third period.

So in one day, I saw Nathan win gold, Cory play in the Olympics, and ran into an old friend and colleague. I would say that was pretty good day.

Chris Phillips is an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist. Chris is the owner of Compete Sports Performance and Rehab in Orange County, Calif., and is currently in Beijing for the Olympics. He can be reached through Compete’s website at www.competeperformance.com.

(February 17, 2022)