Swimmer Tori Smith returns post-op.

Tori Smith, an Olympic swimmer from the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, slices through the water at Deep Eddy Pool. Smith, formerly known as Tori Trees, competed in the 200-meter backstroke, placing fifth. "I was just happy to be there. I qualified in eighth place," she said. Smith went on to have a successful swimming career at the University of Texas, winning NCAA national championships from 1984-1987.

Growing up swimming with her sister in a quarry pool near Louisville sparked Smith's love for the sport. Post-Olympics, she became a swim coach and raised three children with her husband, John, also a swimmer at UT. This summer, Smith watched the Paris Olympics, cheering on swimmers like Regan Smith and Torri Huske. She has a personal connection to the games, as her son, Clark, swam at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, winning gold.

Staying Active:

Age and genetics caught up with Smith in fall 2022, as she began experiencing scoliosis-related pain. Her active lifestyle delayed the need for surgery, according to Dr. Craig Kuhns of St. David's Medical Center and Austin Spine. Finally, in April 2023, Smith underwent a mobility-sparing procedure to fix her lower back. Kuhns performed a less invasive surgery, entering through the side to preserve muscle function. He inserted rods to straighten her spine and used spacers and GPS-guided screws to protect and stabilize it.

Recovery:

The surgery provided instant relief, and Smith was walking the same night. Her recovery involves walking and a gradual return to swimming after six months. Smith's mental game is just as important as her physical recovery, especially when it comes to flip turns. Kuhns expects her surgery to last with proper care and core strength maintenance. "Swimming is really good for the spine. It's low-impact cardio and stretching and strengthening the spine. You can't get better than that," he said.