ScoliCare Clinical Director, Dr. Juan Du Plessis, recently had the pleasure of interviewing Saskia Broedelet, a rhythmic gymnast poised to make her Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris games.
Watch the interview below.
We first met Saskia back in 2017 when she was diagnosed with scoliosis and began her treatment journey with ScoliCare. Today, she’s a member of the Australian Rhythmic Gymnastics Olympic Team
Saskia shared her journey, from her beginnings in school gymnastics, to the scoliosis diagnosis, and her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Early Beginnings
Saskia’s gymnastics journey began at the young age of five. It all started as an after-school activity with friends. However, by the age of ten, she was training seriously, dedicating four hours a day to the sport and competing nationally. At just 12 years old, she represented Australia internationally.
Scoliosis Diagnosis
In 2017, Saskia was diagnosed with scoliosis, and sought treatment with ScoliCare. Saskia was prescribed a custom brace, and the ScoliBalance scoliosis specific rehabilitation program. She adapted quickly, wearing the brace outside of training time and competitions. Saskia shared that the brace became a normal part of her life, and she never let it interrupt her training or affect her goals.
Saskia has also faced a couple of other setbacks, including a major knee injury in 2018, which required surgery and caused her to miss the World Championships trial. Despite these challenges, she made a strong comeback, showcasing her ability to overcome adversity.
Training and Preparation
Preparing for the Olympics is no small feat. Saskia and her team train rigorously, clocking in around 30 to 35 hours a week. She mentioned that while the hours have remained consistent, the quality and intensity of the training have increased significantly. All her current training is team-based, focusing on perfecting their group routines.
Saskia emphasised the importance of mental preparation, revealing that her team works with a sports psychologist. They follow a routine that includes deep breathing, visualisation, and motivational speaking before competitions.
Saskia and her team will compete in their first Olympic medal event on the 9th August.
An Inspirational Journey
Saskia’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. She advises anyone going through their own scoliosis journey, to stay strong and focus on the bigger picture. Despite the challenges scoliosis can pose, she has worked tirelessly to not only manage the condition through her treatment, but to also excel in her sport. She emphasises that the difficulties will pass, and the rewards on the other side are worth the struggle.
Saskia Broedelet’s journey from a school gymnast to an Olympian is truly inspiring. It’s a powerful reminder that with dedication and hard work, dreams can indeed become a reality.
We wish her and her team the best of luck!
