Kristen Santos-Griswold, a physical therapy master’s student, had the unique experience of being a dedicated Olympic speed skater and a student at the University of Utah, and she has achieved many significant milestones along her journey. She earned a kinesiology degree over nine years while still balancing her speed skating career and college life. She also earned a total of nine Olympic medals, with four gold medals under her belt.
“The whole reason I wanted to become a physical therapist was because of speed skating,” Santos-Griswold said. “I have worked with physical therapists forever on multiple different things. I’ve had physical therapists who made all the difference in making me feel like I can improve.”
After she competed in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, despite initially planning on retiring from skating, she felt compelled to give the sport her all and continue. This decision inspired her to continue her education and enroll in a hybrid physical therapy graduate program, which has allowed her to blend her passion for sports with her interest in rehabilitative care.
Santos-Griswold’s ambition to pursue a career in physical therapy has been heavily influenced by her experiences with physical therapy throughout her athletic career, which has given her the inspiration to empower other athletes facing similar setbacks. As she advanced in her studies, she gained valuable understanding into body mechanics that helped amplify her athletic performance.
Santos-Griswold embodies what it means to be a student athlete, demonstrating commitment, self-motivation, and resilience in order to achieve her goals and gain great success. She improved her performance as well as the lives of others through her physical therapy career. She is an inspiration to many, showing other student athletes that with the right mindset and drive you can pursue your passions and career goals in harmony.
More articles like this in ‘Student Innovation @ the U!’
Find this article and a lot more in the 2025 “Student Innovation @ the U” report. The publication is presented by the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute to celebrate student innovators, change-makers, and entrepreneurs.
