Dr. Stephanie Aldret watched Team USA compete in the Winter Paralympic Games from home, like most people. But she had a connection to the team many viewers didn't.
Aldret, an orthopedic sports medicine specialist in Lafayette, was part of the medical team that helped Team USA athletes upon arrival to South Korea before the Paralympic Games this month.
It was her fist trip to South Korea, and she helped athletes in Seoul before they headed to PyeongChang for the Games.
"As the medical team, we would ensure all health questionnaires and paperwork was completed, address any medical issues that occurred during travel for the team, coaches and staff, and give a report to the rest of the medical team in the Olympic/Paralympic Village," she said.
She even handed out gear.
"Who would've thought my retail experience before medical school would have come in so handy?" she joked.
She processed athletes representing multiple sports — wheelchair curling, sled hockey, Nordic and alpine skiing, and snowboarding.
"It was such a great atmosphere and celebration of the athletes and hard work that had paid off for them to be competing in the Winter Paralympic Games," Aldret said.
Thanks to staggered arrival times for teams, Aldret had time to sight-see and explore. She checked out Seoul's palaces, walls, culture, food and shopping.
But, she said, the best part of her trip had to do with the people involved and their attitude.
"The athletes were amazing and truly an inspiration with their athletic abilities and determination," she said.
"The staff was exceptional," she continued. "Many had other roles at the Olympic Training Centers in Colorado Springs and Chula Vista but were fitting clothes and loading bags and doing what ever was needed. ... No one was too good for any job and everyone worked together."
She returned to Louisiana a few days before the Games began March 9.
"Each member of the medical team and support staff had specific roles and mine was completed when all the athletes reached the mountains," Aldret said.
The Games ended March 18. Team USA came away with 36 medals — 13 gold, 15 silver and eight bronze.
On top of her position at Louisiana Orthopaedic Specialists in Lafayette, Aldret also is a team physician for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a member of the medical pool for USA Wrestling and USA Gymnastics-Trampoline and Tumbling.
