Dr. Brian Cole and Steve Kashul talk with Spencer O’Brien about the challenges professional athletes face during competition while managing rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that has a severe impact on the joints and can affect other parts of the body as well due to severe swelling. For a professional athlete a diagnosis like this can be physically and emotionally devastating. For O’Brien it was finally an answer to why her body was failing her. She experienced low points, but like a great athlete she persevered, rebuilt herself and triumphed against the odds.
SPENCER O’BRIEN
SNOWBOARDING — TARGETING BEIJING 2022
2018 Olympian – Slopestyle and Big Air
2016 X Games Gold Medalist – Slopestyle
2014 X Games Bronze Medalist – Slopestyle
2014 Olympian – Slopestyle
2013 US Open Champion – Slopestyle
2013 FIS World Championship Gold Medalist – Slopestyle
2012 TTR World Championships Gold Medalist – Slopestyle
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