Again, Athletic Tape Saves the Game

In a recent story by ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/french11/news/story?id=6555385), they tell how Kim Clijisters said she was healthy enough to compete at the French Open.

In the story, ESPN states: “The Belgian said Monday that she will play with her right ankle taped…” and she later states herself: “I am not totally without pain, but the strong tape round my ankle gives me sufficient security.”

Once again, the necessity for reliable athletic tape helps a professional to reach their highest potential. But this story is not an isolated one by any means. Perhaps you are familiar with a quarterback named Brett Favre? (Hint: he played in the NFL).

In the Fall of 2010 while playing his final season with the Minnesota Vikings, it seemed that Favre was constantly being taped-up before important games. News stories on every channel were showing his left ankle taped, then his right ankle taped – all the while speculating as to whether or not he would be able to perform. Time and again this NFL legend took the field, and often the athletic tape supporting his injuries were notably crucial to his performance.

Favre, like Clijisters values the spirit of competition too much to let an injury slow him down. Both of these world-class athletes rely on athletic tape to give them the flexible support required to excel, even through times of extreme physical duress.

It is not unusual for an athlete to strain or over-extend something during the heat of competition. Across all sports, when an athlete is willing to push themselves they will increase the risks for strains and injuries – particularly to ankles and wrists. This is why trainers rely on athletic tape to provide stability and comfort – supporting the tender area allows it to heal more efficiently, even when it is still in use.

However, a strong athletic tape is not only used for sports injuries. Because these tapes are crafted from cotton and synthetic materials allowing them to remain strong with increased movement, athletic tape is often used to secure pads or to keep uniforms in place, allowing the athlete to better concentrate on their game. Nothing is worse than trying to keep a uniform held together while trying to perform your best – distracting, to say the least!

Athletic tape is really the unsung hero on many fields of competition. If you took a peek beneath the socks and uniforms of today’s top athletes, the amount of athletic tape you’d find might be enough to make a mummy jealous. From routine sprains and strains to small bone fractures and more, the support and protection offered by athletic tape is often all it takes to help a champion grit their teeth, and get through it.

Take a page from the books of athletes like Clijisters and Favre. When the going gets tough, the tough typically need some athletic tape applied before they are ready to actually get going. It makes you wonder what Achilles may have accomplished with a little athletic tape strategically placed to protect that heel!