This month, world-class talent is descending on Rio. To ensure that the athletes arrive and compete in peak physical condition, physical therapists must be prepared for anything.

Olympic participation often marks the pinnacle of an athlete's career—the crest of a mountain of seemingly infinite hours of work, determination, and preparation. Though largely hidden from the public limelight, physical therapists (PTs) experience similar rewards during such high-profile events as part of a less-heralded, yet vital, supporting staff. As Rio de Janeiro prepares to become the first South American country to host the Olympic Games, athletes, staff, and spectators prepare for a life-changing experience.