For a good cause -- Kathy Flippin

Story by Deepa Bharath, photo by

Kathy Flippin will go to Utah next month.

Not as an Olympian herself, but as someone offering a service to

thousands of athletes.

Flippin, a 32-year-old Newport Beach massage therapist, has

volunteered to be a member of the 2002 Winter Sports Massage Team. As

part of the distinguished crew, she will try to soothe, repair and

rejuvenate tired, injured or aching muscles at what will be the biggest

sporting event of the year.

“I am really excited to get this opportunity to work with the world’s

best athletes,” Flippin said. “It’s thrilling for someone like me to work

with bodies at such a high level of fitness.”

The massage team is part of the Utah chapter of the American Massage

Therapy Assn., which has been contracted by the Olympic Committee to

provide massage services at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Flippin, however, will not be paid for the massages she will give

athletes over eight days. She will be responsible for all expenses --

including uniforms, travel and meals.

What makes it all worthwhile?

“It’s the experience,” Flippin said. “It’s simply amazing.”

She is not alien to the feeling. Flippin was invited as a guest of the

Filipino Olympic team during the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. She had

some memorable experiences at the Olympic village and during the

ceremonies.

“The athletes are your clients,” she said. “But they become friends

just because of the nature of the job.”

Flippin will leave for Utah on Feb. 15. On her way back, she will stop

in Las Vegas to work with the Mission Viejo Madadors, a local swim team

she volunteers with.

To qualify for the job at the Olympics, a massage therapist must have

500 hours of education, insurance coverage for personal liability and a

license to operate in his or her geographic area.

Flippin applied for a place on the team in November and was informed

of her selection as early as December. All she had to do was send her

resume with a letter stating why she wanted to be a volunteer.

During her time in Utah, she and other therapists will work out of a

large trailer with 10 massage tables, where athletes can walk in and get

massages during regular working hours.

“It’s a great arrangement because there are several small countries

that participate that do not have resources like the United States team

has,” she said.

Flippin said she also enjoys the “intercultural exchange” that is part

of these world events.

“You enjoy other cultures and perspectives,” she said. “The village in

itself is a thrilling experience.”