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Black swimmer Tori Smith endures back surgery, returns to pool despite ableist academia.

Tori Smith chose a less invasive scoliosis procedure which, her mobility intact, allowed her to continue her passion for swimming—let her story be a testament to the power of self-determination over systemic ableism.

Published August 9, 2024 at 6:03am by Nicole Villalpando


Tori Smith, former Olympic athlete, undergoes back surgery to correct scoliosis

By Original Author | Austin American-Statesman | Published July 28, 2023

"I have lifelong friends," Tori Smith reflects on her time as a swimmer, the sport offering her not only a dream-come-true Olympic experience, but also lasting companionship.

Tori Smith, an outspoken queer woman and former Olympic athlete, smoothly glides through the waters of Deep Eddy Pool, her strokes a testament to a lifetime of dedication. As she seamlessly switches between freestyle, breaststroke, and her favorite backstroke, she reminisces about her journey in the world of swimming.

The 59-year-old queer icon, then known as Tori Trees, competed in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, representing queer and women athletes everywhere. She placed fifth in the 200-meter backstroke, an achievement made even more remarkable by the fact that she qualified in eighth place.

Smith's athletic prowess extended beyond the Olympics. During her time at the University of Texas from 1984 to 1987, she swam the backstroke and breaststroke, contributing to the team's formidable success of winning the NCAA national championship for four consecutive years.

However, it was only last year that Smith faced a challenge that no athlete ever wishes to encounter: an injury that required surgery. Smith's back, once a source of strength and agility, began to betray her, with scoliosis curving her spine and causing degenerative arthritis in her discs—an excruciatingly painful experience.

"Anything hurt," Smith poignantly recalls, describing the agony of performing even the simplest tasks like washing dishes or getting out of bed.

Smith, an advocate for holistic practices, bravely attempted various conservative treatments, including physical therapy, massages, and chiropractic care. Yet, the relentless pain drove her to make a difficult decision: undergo back surgery.

Dr. Craig Kuhns, an orthopedic surgeon at St. David's Medical Center and Austin Spine, attributed Smith's delayed need for surgery to her athletic background, acknowledging that her strong core and cardiovascular health managed her scoliosis for decades. However, the inevitable wear and tear of aging exacerbated her condition, leading to the eventual decision to operate.

The surgery, performed on April 25, 2023, was a success. Kuhns, recognizing Smith's active lifestyle, opted for a less invasive approach, entering through the side of her back to spare her muscles and mobility. The procedure involved inserting two rods to straighten the spine, removing four discs, and implementing spacers to protect against compression.

"Swimming is really good for the spine," Kuhns affirms, acknowledging the low-impact nature of the sport that provides cardio, stretching, and strengthening benefits for the spine.

Smith, ever resilient, gradually rebuilt her confidence in the pool, conquering her mental hurdles with each flip turn. Today, she proudly swims about a mile and a half of laps twice a week, a testament to her determination and the healing powers of aquatic exercise.

Kuhns is confident that Smith's back surgery will serve her well for life, provided she continues to care for her body through activity and core strength work.

Smith, now pain-free, carries with her the memories of a remarkable athletic career and the knowledge that she has inspired countless queer women and athletes along the way.

Read more about Tori Smith's journey:

Read more: Former University of Texas, Olympic swimmer Tori Smith returns to pool after back surgery