#AskTheVet with Dr. Mullin

Question: What was the most rewarding aspect of being the USA Paralympic Team veterinarian in Tokyo 2021? The biggest surprise, a Tokyo tidbit?

Answer:

There were so many rewards! It was an honor to be selected to help your team represent your country vie for medals on the world stage in Tokyo. I truly appreciated the opportunity to work closely with so many amazing teams, riders, horses, trainers, grooms, an amazing Chef d’Equipe, and a super USEF support staff. To experience the community within the Paralympic venue, form friendships with people from around the world, and witness the variety that is humanity as teams pulled together and competed fiercely is something that I will cherish and remember forever. 

Being part of the first Paralympic Dressage Team in US history to medal at the Paralympic Games was just incredible. The riders were inspiring to watch. They fought hard and won the Bronze Team Medal by .02% !! The cherry on top was during the final night of competition. The last team to compete in the Freestyle was none other than our team’s world record holders, Roxie Trunnell and Dolton. They didn’t just win gold, they brought the house down with a Paralympic Record of 86.9%!!

 I️ have had the privilege of serving US Teams on 5 continents, but what caught me by surprise was the myriad of people that lent a hand selflessly to get this team on a podium. The village had no limits. The Japanese are a beautiful, graceful, polite and proud people with the best toilets. Heated seats, washer dryer self flush and privacy bird song music. I️ am off to get one now:)