US Olympian Lolo Jones accuses USOPC, USA Bobsled for ‘nearly paralyzing’ her over mistreated injuries
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has faced criticism for its handling of a high-profile case involving US Olympian Lolo Jones. In 2023, Jones shared an account from Zielhaus that detailed her struggles with serious back injuries sustained during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York.
Jones broke her year-plus hiatus to share this story, which revealed the extent of her suffering and the mistreatment she endured at the hands of USOPC officials. The incident occurred when Jones competed for a seat on the USA 1 brakewoman team during the “race-off,” resulting in severe lower-back pain, numbness, leg instability, foot drop, and loss of bladder control.
According to Zielhaus’ account, Jones was scheduled to receive a massage from Olympic Training Center (OTC) trainer John Faltus at their medical clinic. However, this appointment was canceled by Faltus due to the fact that Jones had already received one massage per week and only needed it once. Furthermore, Jones stated that she was not given an X-ray or MRI, nor did she have access to ice baths to alleviate her pain.
Jones’ injuries were later diagnosed as a herniated disc with a bulge in two of her vertebrae (L3, L4, and L5) and tears in the discs. She also experienced spinal fluid leaking out, which is a serious condition that can lead to permanent paralysis if left untreated.
Despite this, Jones claims that USOPC officials nearly paralyzed her by denying her proper medical treatment and penalizing her for an injury she was not even tested on. The organization acknowledged that Jones’ injuries were “nearly paralyzing” but failed to take adequate action to address the situation.
Jones has since spent $100,000 on medical expenses and training costs, while also taking steps to rehabilitate herself after being banned from OTC for a year due to her actions during the incident. The USOPC’s handling of Jones’ case has sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning whether they took adequate measures to protect athletes who have suffered serious injuries.
The incident highlights concerns about the treatment and support provided by sports organizations like the USOPC, particularly in cases where athletes are subjected to mistreatment or negligence. As a result, there is growing pressure on the organization to take responsibility for its actions and ensure that athletes receive proper care and compensation when they need it most.
Source: Fox News Latest
Based on reporting from Fox News Latest.
