What's My Sport? Stephen Clark, orthopedic certified specialist, Athletic Physical Therapy, Inc. Los Angeles "She's a triathlete. The first thing I notice is that her quadriceps, glutes and gastroenemium seem well developed for propulsive activities like running and biking. Her trunk shows a well-developed abdominal musculature, either from core stabilization or rotatory movements. My second choice is volleyball. Her legs seem really strong, and it looks like she squats or jumps a lot." Dana Healy, strength and conditioning department head, United States Olympic Committee, Colorado Springs "The definition of her abs, her strong defined core and back, and her lean legs make me think she's a backstroke swimmer. Her legs aren't too muscular, which is typical of a swimmer. Gerard Varlotta, doctor of osteopathy, director of sports rehabilitation, Plusk Institute, NYU Medical Center, N.Y.C. "Her legs are so much stronger than her trunk that it seems like she would excel at jumping-type sports. Swimming is a possibility, but her upper body would be more developed that I think she plays volleyball. Tina Vindum, president nad fitness coach, Outdoor Action Fitness, Mill Valley, Calif. "Because of her overall even tone, her long, lean legs and her graceful look, I feel she's a synchronized swimmer. There's an overall toning that comes form flowing through the water, with a full range of motion, and pushing with her arms, legs and glutes." Answer: Wacholder, a native Californian and current resident of El Segundo, began playing indoor volleyball in eighth grade. She played at the University of Colorado, turned pro in Spain in 1998, then switched to beach volleyball upon returning to the U.S. in '99. Now 27, she is one of the tops dozen players on the beach volleyball tour and was an Association of Volleyball Professionals finalist in 2000 and 01. "Beach is harder than indoor," she says. "You have to be able to do everything, be motivated and responsible for yourself, and there's no coach out there telling you what you need to do." The Fitness Niche What's My Sport? A Safer Way to Stronger Abs Weight of Injury The Joint is Jumping Foot Faults Bracers Beware Check back here often for insightful commentaries and advice from the Athletic Physical Therapy Team. Email this page to a friend