As far as cool job perks are concerned, Dr. Michael Borgert’s have to be pretty high on the list.
The Apex chiropractor spent six days helping a contingent of American athletes prepare for their competitions at the London Olympic Games.
The memorable experience was made possible by the Florida-based company Maximized Living, which sent more than 100 of its top chiropractors to the Games.
Borgert, who owns Borgert Family Chiropractic on Salem Street, worked with members of the U.S. judo, wrestling and weightlifting teams. The athletes brought home six medals, including gold-medal winner Kayla Harrison who became the first American to ever medal in judo.
“It was an amazing experience,” said Borgert. “The athletes really took it to the next level and performed better than they ever have before. We gave them adjustments before and after each event and I think it really helped. At the Olympic level, just a fraction of difference decides who wins a medal.”
Working so closely with the athletes gave Borgert, 30, a unique insight into the focus and dedication needed to compete at a world level.
“We were with them right before and after each event,” said Borgert. “Some of them joked around and talked but once (it was time to compete) they all just flipped a switch. They took it to a whole different level as far as concentration is concerned. So much of what these athletes do is mental. It’s incredible to see that type of focus.”
Of course, not all of his time was spent working. Borgert was able to watch several events as a spectator, including the gold-medal winning U.S. men’s basketball team coached by Duke’s Mike Krzyzewski.
“I was able to see Team USA play Australia,” said the Michigan native. “I’m already a Duke fan so that was really sweet.”
Borgert also enjoyed walking around London and soaking up the Olympic atmosphere that seemed to permeate the entire city.
“There is nothing else quite like it,” said Borgert. “There was just this buzz all over London. We were wearing our official Team USA jackets and people kept stopping us and asking if we were athletes. It was really fun being part of it.”
And the fun might not stop for Borgert in London. He could have the opportunity to work with athletes in 2016 when the Games are played in Brazil.
“There is a chance that I might go to Rio in four years,” said Borgert. “That sounds like a really good time.”
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