FEATURE PROFESSIONALISM BEYOND TREATMENT Top Canadian athletes share their views on chiropractic care T BY MARI-LEN DE GUZMAN MARI-LEN DE GUZMAN is the editor of Canadian Chiropractor magazine. She has worked in publishing for 20 years and has been editor of several business and professional magazines. You may contact her at mdeguzman@ annexweb.com. 22 Canadian Chiropractor February 2017 www.canadianchiropractor.ca Photo: Mari-Len De Guzman he day international track star Andre De Grasse showed up for his very first track meet at York University – wearing basket-ball shoes and basketball shorts – was the day Tony Sharpe, head coach at The Speed Academy in Pickering, Ont., saw him run 100 metres in 10.9 seconds. Being at the right place at the right time would prob-ably best describe how the now Olympic-medalist got started in the sport that changed his life. Getting to where he is today, however, requires a lot more than just a stroke of fate. It takes commitment, discipline, lots of hard work and a great support team, De Grasse says. De Grasse acknowledges he relies significantly on the team of professionals that support his health, training and development. “I’m just really appreciative and grateful to these peo-ple in my corner,” De Grasse says. “Not everyday you get that type of opportunity or have certain people be-hind you like that. I’m thankful to them for believing in me and motivating me and getting me to where I am today.” Canadian Chiropractor caught up with De Grasse dur-ing one of his visits with Dr. Alban Merepeza, a chiro-practor in Port Hope, Ont., who has been caring for De Grasse since he started his sprinting career. Even when his track training and university education have taken him out west to Arizona and California, De Grasse still sees Merepeza not only as his chiropractor of choice, but as his friend. When he can find the time between his busy schedule at the University of Southern California and Olympic medalist Andre De Grasse credits his success to people supporting him, including his chiropractor Dr. Alban Merepeza. his training in Arizona, De Grasse flies home to his fam-ily in Markham and makes a point to go to Merepeza’s clinic for treatments. From time to time, the Port Hope chiropractor also would fly out to treat De Grasse during training or at his competitions. As a professional athlete, De Grasse receives care from other health care providers as well, including other chiro-practors. He admits, however, Merepeza’s hands are the ones he trusts most. “Alban and I just developed a great relationship, work-ing together, getting to know him and his family – it’s great,” De Grasse says. “I’ve seen a lot of chiropractors over these past couple of years and no one could do as
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