Carlijn Schoutens, Bronze Medalist Speed Skater in the 2018 Olympics, Shares her Concussion Story
Up next on the CrashCourse Concussion Story Wall is long track speed skater, Carlijn Schoutens. Carlijn became concussed after a fall during practice at the start of her season. She felt fine at first, but the next day she began to experience severe nausea. Carlijn developed frequent headaches and other symptoms which made it difficult to exercise. Feeling alone, she shared, was the worst part. This is why Carlijn is excited about this product. “What strikes me as most inspiring are the multitude of diverse video narratives on the Concussion Story Wall. Having been through a challenging head injury, it’s empowering to see hundreds of similar and yet vastly different stories. Together we are a united voice providing hope to all others!” She says. Hear the rest of her story on the CrashCourse Concussion Story Wall.
Carlijn Schoutens is a former long track speedskater. At the 2018 Olympics, she earned a bronze medal in the Team Pursuit with her teammates, and made individual appearances in the 3000 and 5000 meter events. She was a US National Team member from 2015-2019 and has won eight National Championship titles. Alongside skating, Schoutens studied medicine at VU University in Amsterdam. After her retirement from sport, she resumed full-time clinical training to become a doctor. After experiencing firsthand the difficulties of having a concussion, Schoutens seeks to use her experience to help other athletes.
Thank you, Carlijn, for sharing your experience with all of us!
About Concussion Story Wall: This product features an interactive database of more than 4000 videos of individual stories relating to how an injury occurred, the symptoms experienced, and personal insights from those who have been injured by a concussion. It is intended as a comprehensive mental health resource for the many who are impacted including athletes, parents, coaches, officials, teachers, and military veterans, among others. It also serves as a referral source for athletic trainers, rehab specialists and physicians. An additional highlight includes a panel of 14 of the world’s leading medical experts addressing specific aspects of concussions related to symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and recovery. All CrashCourse concussion education products are available at no cost.
The CrashCourse Concussion Story Wall is proudly presented by TeachAids, BIAA, and the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS), in collaboration with the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE) and 22 of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s National Governing Bodies (NGB). These NGBs include: USA Archery, USA Artistic Swimming, USA Baseball, USA Bobsled & Skeleton, USA Cycling, USA Diving, USA Fencing, USA Field Hockey, USA Football, USA Gymnastics, USA Hockey, USA Karate, US Lacrosse, USA Rugby,US Ski & Snowboard, US Soccer, US Speedskating, USA Taekwondo, USA Team Handball, USA Triathlon, USA Waterski and Wake, and USA Wrestling.