Tara Geraghty-Moats: Soaring toward an Olympic Bid

“Hopefully by defying the rule of gravity I can inspire others to do things that they perceive as impossible too.” ~ Tara on why She Loves Ski Jumping

A broken ski binding caused a summer training accident in 2016 that grounded Ski Jumping National Champion and Team USA member Tara Geraghty-Moats with an elbow fracture.

Back home in the Upper Valley, she trusted Cioffredi & Associates Physical Therapist Kate Leiser to help her get back into competition for a 2018 Olympic bid. Arms are critical for balance in ski jumping, and pain of any kind can cause an elite athlete like Tara to lose focus. In a sport where everything depends on a ten-second performance, focus is key.

IN TARA’S WORDS…

I was originally referred to Cioffredi & Associates in 2010 by my doctor, and at that time my doctor didn’t think ski jumping again was a possibility for me. Through a lot of hard work, paired with time, Kate helped me return first to biathlon and then to ski jumping.
The relationship with a therapist is an extremely important factor for me. This fall I didn’t have time to waste getting to know someone and building trust with a new PT, regardless of how good they might be. I trusted that Kate would set reasonable limits and help me get back to action as soon as safely possible. I have an international career and a chance at the Olympic Team riding on my results this winter, so a speedy and quality recovery was essential. It’s such an honor to represent my country. I’ve had so much support from people; I hope I can make them proud, and enjoy the ride.

RELATED STORIES

Tara Geraghty-Moats: Flying High (2015)

Team USA Ski Jumping PeongChang 2018

Vermont Ski & Ride Article about Tara