A local resident will be watching some Olympic events in Sochi a bit more closely than most Americans — from both the starting lineup to the finish line for the U.S. Nordic Ski Team.
Steph McKeen Caverhill, of Crouseville, is serving as a licensed massage therapist with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), the national governing body of Olympic skiing and snowboarding.
“I had a client that went to work for USSA. He emailed me a couple years after he left and said ‘We need an MT and I think you would be perfect.’ My first trip was the Tour De Ski that was supposed to be a one-time deal, but four years later I’m a member of the team,” said Caverhill. “I’m working with the U.S. Nordic Team.”
Caverhill said she’s worked for various organizations since becoming involved with USSA.
“I’ve worked with the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) in their adaptive skiing program, U.S. Bobsled, U.S. Skeleton, and U.S. Luge teams in Lake Placid in the past four years — doing massage for two U.S. World Championships and one Bobsled World Championship. I just finished my fourth Tour De Ski in January. I’m the only U.S. staff to be involved this long,” she said.
She works with both male and female athletes.
“I’ve worked with all of the athletes that have been named to the 2014 Olympics at some point in the past four years. Most of them are friends that I keep in touch with throughout the year,” Caverhill said.
Several commented on their experience working with Caverhill.
“The work Steph does for us is invaluable. She has spent a long time working with our team, so she has a great understanding of our needs and our bodies. Having massage work has made a huge difference for me and allowed me to properly recover and prepare for my races. She always has a smile for us. We’re so thankful and lucky to have her as part of our team in Sochi,” said Sophie Caldwell.
“Steph is a fabulous part of our team, adding a calm demeanor in stressful situations or a kind, genuine smile when you really need one. Her work makes an impact on our performance. We’re lucky to have her with us,” said Holly Brooks.
Sadie Bjornsen said Caverhill is much more than a massage therapist.
“It’s not only about her great massage work, but her incredible work ethic. Steph is so determined to make us all feel at our best, which means she is willing to work all hours of the day — evening and morning. She is the best massage therapist I’ve ever worked with,” sad Bjornsen.
The job gives Caverhill an opportunity to visit some amazing locations.
“I’ve visited Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Norway — seeing so many different cultures, trying different foods, seeing different scenery and meeting new people. It’s pretty fun to get birthday wishes and Christmas greetings from people all over the world in several different languages. Facebook is a really nice way to stay connected,” said Caverhill.
Jessie Diggins is another athlete Caverhill keeps in touch with via social media.
“Steph’s such a talented massage therapist and her incredible ability to work out each athlete’s knots, combined with her great work ethic and positive attitude, makes her a crucial part of this team’s success. We are so fortunate to be able to work with her, especially at the Games. What makes Steph rise above and beyond is that aside from her massage skills, she is great at helping us out on race day — being there in the start and finish pens with a big smile and calm efficiency that is perfect to help athletes in their final prep before the gun goes off,” said Diggins.
Caverhill said her job at the Olympics will be recovery.
“There will not be many opportunities for the athletes to recover at the Olympic Village, making my job very crucial. I will be out on course with the athletes in the start and finish gates, helping them to prepare just before racing, making sure they are warm, have their bibs, glasses, gloves, etc. It’s important to maintain a calm environment so that they only have to think about the race,” said Caverhill.
“In the finish, I’m cheering, consoling, just lending a nurturing smile to whatever comes back from the race, making sure they are warm, hydrated and fed. I run skis, poles and equipment if needed. I just take on whatever role is needed at the moment,” she said.
Caverhill said at sprint races she’s at the venue with her massage table, providing massages after the qualifier.
“The athletes have to qualify top 30 to be eligible for the sprints. So the idea is they go out and race almost as hard as they can. So when they come in and have tons of lactic acid built up and the sprint rounds are usually an hour and a half later — they need aid in flushing lactic acid while preserving energy for the heats,” said Caverhill, noting she tries to create a very warm, quiet environment.
“We listen to music — usually country — so they can mentally prepare for the races to come,” said Caverhill. “Don’t get me wrong, there is almost always laughter and encouragement amongst the team members. I carry a radio to stay connected to coaching staff, so we get the inside on who’s still out qualifying, who’s been bumped, etc.”
Caverhill said the team has a positive attitude.
“I can honestly say I hear nothing negative from this team. They are genuinely good people. No negativity or team bashing. It’s completely a positive, nurturing environment. There’s never any blaming anyone for races gone wrong, just ‘We’ll do better next time,’” said Caverhill.
“Steph understands the needs of athletes like us. When we are training and racing 800 hours a year, our bodies take a beating. Steph knows what kind of massage and therapy work our bodies need when we abuse them day in and day out. She genuinely enjoys what she does. It’s always a relaxing session with lots of laughter every time you climb onto her massage table,” said another athlete, Simi Hamilton.
“Steph has a great ability to understand how an athlete’s body works and can usually feel problem areas or tension in my muscles, ever before I do. This keeps us healthy and skiing fast on the World Cup,” noted Andy Newell.
Liz Stephens said the team has been lucky to work with Caverhill the last four years.
“It’s to the point she’s a member of our team. She enhances the team atmosphere before she even starts working on our bodies. She is a joy to have with us in any situation, keeps stress so low, smiles endlessly and her work is absolutely awesome,” said Stephens.
Caverhill said it’s a pleasure to work with such a talented and polite group of young people.
“They’re always thanking the coaches, wax team and me for our dedication and support of their success. It feels amazing to be part of a team,” she said.
Caverhill is looking forward to seeing more great things happen with the team.
“This team is projected to make history at the Olympics this year. I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of these athletes. I couldn’t be more thankful to be a part of such an amazing group of people,” said Caverhill.
