West alumna helps Team USA finish first at World Swimming Championships in China

Tara Mahar Morris, D.C., CCSP® (West, ’00) recently ventured to China as a member of USA Swimming’s medical staff, where she helped Team USA break five world records and 24 American records en route to a first-place finish at the 2018 World Swimming Championships in Hangzhou.

Dr. Morris, an Airrosti Certified Provider in Austin, Tex., has served as a member of USA Swimming’s “High Performance Network” since 2010. She also provided care for Team USA at the 2016 World Swimming Championships in Windsor, Canada; the World University Games in Russia in 2013; and a pre-Olympic test event in 2011, prior to the 2012 Summer Games in London, England.

More than 170 countries participated in the 2018 World Swimming Championships. Team USA paced the way with 36 medals, including 18 golds – nearly three times the number earned by the second-place team (Russia) during the course of the 46-event competition.

“The caliber of swimmers was fantastic, as most had previously competed in the Olympics – it was pretty humbling to be part of such a phenomenal team,” said Dr. Morris, the first female student selected to serve as president (for the ’99-’00 term) of the Palmer West Sports Council (established in 1994).

Dr. Morris was appointed to USA Swimming’s multidisciplinary team of sports-care providers following her rotation at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in 2009.

“We all work together to do whatever we can for the athletes. However, a lot of the swimmers (at the recent World Swimming Championships) asked me to adjust them, as well – in fact, many more than in the past. I’m very excited by the growing number of high-caliber athletes who are utilizing chiropractic care!”

In addition to her international experiences, Dr. Morris has provided care at the Pro Series swimming meets in Austin for several years – and she hopes her collective efforts will help achieve her ultimate career goal.

“Being on the Olympic Games staff has been a dream of mine for a long time. Hopefully I’ll see it come true sometime soon.”

As she reflects on nearly two decades in practice, Dr. Morris is excited to see more women involved in the field of sports chiropractic, and she takes great pride in paving the path for the other women who have subsequently served as president of the Palmer West Sports Council, which provides opportunities for students to develop strong sports-chiropractic skills through speakers, workshops, and on-field experience at various athletic events.

“Athletes are utilizing chiropractors more than ever before in their quest of peak performance,” said Dr. Morris, team-doctor for the Austin Outlaws women’s tackle-football team for more than a decade.

“I love applying my Sports Council experience and CCSP training when working with athletes, and every day I’m so grateful that I chose to attend Palmer West. I received an amazing education, especially in the sports field – and it’s great to see so many women getting involved and taking advantage of growing opportunities.”