Written by Dr. Gillian Johnston, Netherlands, DC ICSC
The World Games 2025 – From Chengdu China with Gratitude: My Experience
The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China was nothing short of unforgettable. As part of the FICS sports chiropractic delegation, I had the privilege of working with athletes across a diverse range of sports: Disc Golf, Canoe Marathon, Dragon Boat Racing, Parkour, Aerobic Gymnastics, and Cheerleading. Each sport brought unique challenges and opportunities, and together they created an experience that will stay with me forever.
From the very beginning, I knew this was going to be special. The opening ceremony was unlike anything I had ever seen. The scale, the energy, and especially the fireworks left me speechless. It set the tone for what became two weeks of connection, care, and celebration of human performance.
One of the greatest joys of The World Games was working alongside an incredible group of colleagues who quickly became friends. We shared laughs, life stories, chiropractic techniques, and above all, our shared passion for caring for athletes. These friendships, built on long hours in the bus and treatment rooms, sharing new cultural experiences together, and even dancing in the rain are just as valuable to me as the professional experiences. A quick shoutout to my partner in crime or should I say partner in PARKOUR, Bryan Henslin.
Cheerleading held a particularly special place in my heart. As a former competitive cheerleader, I was thrilled to see the sport included in The World Games for the very first time. Being able to support the athletes not only as a chiropractor but also as someone who understands their sport and struggle, was incredibly meaningful. One standout moment was treating the Australian duo before their final performance. They went on to win the bronze medal and, in their excitement, credited their chiropractic care as a part of their success. While I know the medal was entirely their achievement, it was an honour to have played a small part in their journey.
The Games also provided countless opportunities to introduce chiropractic to new people; athletes, coaches, volunteers, and officials who had never experienced it before. Watching their faces after a first adjustment, hearing their amazement at how their bodies felt, and seeing them return for more care was deeply rewarding. These moments reminded me of how important our role is, not only in helping athletes perform at their best but also in advocating for chiropractic as an essential part of sports medicine worldwide.
Treating athletes in such a high-level, competitive environment is always inspiring. Seeing them move better, recover faster, and perform with more confidence after care reaffirmed the impact of what we do as sports chiropractors. It also strengthened my belief in the importance of promoting our profession on international stages like The World Games.
Looking back, Chengdu was more than just a professional experience — it was a celebration of sport, friendship, and the power of chiropractic. I return home not only with wonderful memories but also with renewed passion for serving athletes and growing our profession on the global stage.
It’s almost impossible to put into words just how impactful The World Games experience truly is, you really have to live it to understand it. If you’re even considering it, my advice is simple: Go for it!
Apply for the 2029 World Games in Germany and give yourself the chance to be part of something unforgettable.
