Published: June 17, 2019
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When you’re an Olympic runnner, milliseconds can make the difference between bringing home a medal, or leaving empty handed. Though running is an individual sport, it takes a team to make a champion. A strong support team of trainers and physical therapists make the difference.
When Olympian Nick Willis moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan as a student athlete from New Zealand, there was a rumor going around the track team of a “Running Guru.” Nick was able to meet Pete Kitto at the ATI clinic in Ann Arbor West, where their friendship and training relationship began. Pete was able to help Nick overcome injuries, and train to the best of his abilities. Nick ran the 1500m event for his native country of New Zealand in the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic games, winning the silver medal in Beijing.
When Nick Willis moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan as a student athlete from New Zealand, he wanted to bring his skills and abilities to the next level. Nick was introduced to Pete Kitto, a physical therapist who specialized in training competitive runners. Pete was considered the “Running Guru,” and would train those he felt who could run at the international level. Nick was able to prove that he had what it took to become an elite runner, from there Pete and Nick began their friendship and training relationship together. Whether Nick was injured or healthy, he would stop into the ATI Physical Therapy clinic in Ann Arbor West to receive treatment from Pete. Whether it was stretching, manual therapy, or strength exercises, Nick received one on one care from Pete to help him take it to the next level. When Nick suffered an injury while competing in Shanghai, Pete reaffirmed him that he could help him get his range of motion back. Nick would lie on the treatment table as Pete would stretch out his hamstring. Nick also was able to take advantage of the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill®. While a runner is injured, running in the ‘Alt-G’ relieves the pressure from their joints and helps them to continue to build their endurance. The help that Nick was able to receive from Pete propelled Nick to qualify for the Olympic games. Nick competed in the 1500m run in the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games. Nick won the silver medal for his home country of New Zealand in the 2008 Beijing Games.