Written by Dr. Jeremy Busch, DC, DACBSP, CCSP, ICSC, CSCS is a sports chiropractor with nearly two decades of experience providing care to elite athletes. He has served as a medical provider at the Olympic Games, PGA Tour, and multiple international competitions, and is a proud member of the FICS delegation. As CEO of Performance Sport and Spine, he is dedicated to bringing world-class sports medicine principles to his local community.
Spotlight on Serving Athletes at The World Games 2025
When I received word that I had been selected to serve as part of the FICS delegation for The World Games 2025, I felt an overwhelming mix of excitement and anticipation. Representing FICS at a global event is always an honor, but this time there was an added layer of adventure since the Games would be held in Chengdu, China. I’ll admit, there was some apprehension about the unknowns of international travel, but that was quickly overshadowed by the thrill of what lay ahead.
The moment I stepped off the plane, I knew this was going to be an unforgettable experience. From the very first minute, the hospitality was extraordinary. We were welcomed like rockstars treated to a level of care and respect that left me in awe. The organizers, volunteers, and locals spared no effort in showing that China was determined to raise the bar for The World Games. It truly felt like they had rolled out the red carpet for us.
On the Sidelines
My role was clear: facilitate athletic performance and recovery for the athletes. Whether on the sidelines, in pre-competition warm-ups, or post-event recovery, our mission was to help athletes maintain functional performance and recover quickly so they could compete at their best. I primarily worked with roller sports, Inline Hockey, Speedskating, and Freestyle, and it was a privilege to support athletes pushing the limits of their sports on the world stage.
One moment that stands out was an Italian inline hockey athlete who presented with a hip flexor strain early in competition. It could have easily derailed his tournament. Instead, through consistent care including manual therapy, chiropractic manipulative treatments, and rehabilitative exercises, we managed to keep him in play. I saw him twice daily, and the reward was watching him compete through every round, fighting for his team with full commitment. Moments like that remind me why sports chiropractic matters so much.
The Chengdu Experience
What truly set Chengdu apart was the people. The hospitality was unparalleled not only at the venues but throughout the city. The Athlete Village was vibrant and electric, alive with the same energy I once experienced at the Rio Paralympic Village in 2016. The cultural activities, the camaraderie among athletes, and the overall environment made this one of the most enriching sporting villages I have ever been part of.
Outside the Games, the warmth of the local community left an indelible mark on me. One free afternoon, my partner Ray and I set out to explore Tianfu Square with plans to stroll through People’s Park. While there, a group of 12 college students approached us for photos. What began as a chance meeting turned into one of the most memorable experiences of the trip. They offered to guide us through the city for the entire afternoon, sharing stories, history, and their own perspectives of Chengdu. Their kindness went above and beyond. They later sent me a custom
video, set to music, with all the photos they had taken that day. That level of generosity and thoughtfulness left me humbled. Chengdu’s people made the Games not just a professional highlight, but a deeply personal one as well.
Lessons from the Games
Professionally, The World Games are a masterclass in applied sports medicine. To serve at this level, chiropractors must be certified at a minimum, the ICSC, but additional advanced credentials like DACBSP, CCSP, and CSCS are invaluable. The training equips you for the physical demands of caring for elite athletes, but the real magic happens in the mentorship and collaboration. At The Games, you learn from veterans, teach younger colleagues, and share best practices across borders. Every event I attend, I come away with two or three new techniques or protocols that I can integrate into my community practice. It’s part of my belief that everyone deserves to be treated like a professional athlete, and the knowledge we gain on the world stage helps us elevate care for every patient back home.
Why It Matters
Looking back, my greatest takeaway from Chengdu isn’t just the incredible athleticism or the professional growth. It’s the kindness of the people who welcomed us. Their generosity and compassion left me forever changed, and I hope to embody even half the hospitality they showed me.
For fellow sports chiropractors, I can say this with certainty: the experience of working The World Games is unlike anything else. It will test your skills, expand your knowledge, and leave you inspired. But more than that, it will remind you why we do what we do. If you aspire to be here, pursue the training, seek out mentorship, and commit to the path. The World Games aren’t just about athletes competing at the highest level. They’re about the professionals who support them, too. And there’s no better stage to serve.
