Trent Dimas: A Champion's Journey with Dr. Terrell Joseph

As an Olympic Champion in gymnastics, Trent is no stranger to pushing his body to the limits and pacing through the challenges of physical recovery. Over the years, his relationship with Dr. Joseph has been one of camaraderie, unwavering support, and life-shaping care.

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The Beginning of a Trusted Bond & A Legacy of Excellence

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They met during a June 2013 trip to Colorado, and the two continued to cross paths: Dr. Joseph became Trent's go-to physician for his medical expertise and genuine care for his overall well-being. "Dr. Joseph does not jump to surgical solutions. He wanted to see me able to stay in tip-top shape—not just for the right now, but for this drawn out aging process," Trent laughs.

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For 21 years, Trent trained in Albuquerque, New Mexico. His gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Games was the first awarded to an American gymnast in a non-boycotted Olympics in 60 years. It also marked the first time in modern gymnastics history that an American won a gold medal when the Olympic Games were held on foreign soil. His triumph on the horizontal bar was the culmination of years of sacrifice, dedication, and full-time training, but Trent's high-intensity sport and long career in it left him with problematic shoulders and other worn-down joints.

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When living in Kenya with his son in 2022, Trent was deeply involved in construction projects, building homes for missionaries alongside a team of locals, and after grueling days of labor, he'd also run with his son as part of high school rugby training. The high-impact activity began to take its toll. Trent developed severe knee pain so debilitating that he couldn't sleep. He convinced himself surgery was the only likely solution.

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When Trent returned to the United States seeking help, he consulted Dr. Joseph, who took a different approach. Rather than rushing into the OR, Dr. Joseph diagnosed Trent honestly, explaining that with some lifestyle changes and adjustments, he could return to his active life pain-free—without the need for an operation. "Terrell has my long-term, best interest at heart," Trent recalled.

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A Life of Service and Resilience

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After his gymnastics career and law school, Trent dedicated himself to helping others. The adventure includes having been engaged in missionary work for four years across Spain, Kenya, Mexico, Poland, and now Ukraine. For the past two years, he and his son have been aiding Ukrainian refugees in Krakow, navigating a challenging environment with compassion and resolve.

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But the road hasn't been without its obstacles. While running to a doctor's appointment for his son, Trent tripped on uneven pavement, suffering a severe clavicle fracture. The pain was unbearable, and the thought of surgery in Poland was daunting. Once again, he turned to Dr. Joseph.

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A Life Uplifter in Every Sense

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Trent and Dr. Joseph were exchanging texts near midnight Friday night (local time in Poland); by 3:00 AM, Trent was on a bus to Krakow's airport, set to arrive at Vail Hospital on Sunday afternoon, just in time for Dr. Joseph to perform the surgery. 

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"He came in on a Sunday, a day he planned to be out of town. Seeing Terrell's pre-op focus and confidence in putting my bad situation back together put me completely at ease," Trent recalled. The procedure was a success, and Trent's wife was amazed at Dr. Joseph's meticulous work. "You can barely see the scar — maybe he should have been a plastic surgeon, too," she joked. Three days later, on Christmas, Trent was on a plane back to Krakow.

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Now, just a month post-operation, Trent is on the road to recovery, exercising and feeling stronger every day. Dr. Joseph's guidance has ensured Trent takes the necessary time to heal, emphasizing long-term health over quick fixes. 

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More Than a Doctor

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For Trent, Dr. Joseph is more than a surgeon. He's a great person, a confidant, a friend. "Terrell has always put me first, not just as a patient but as a person who wants to stay active for as long as possible," Trent said. 

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Trent's story is a testament to the power of trust and the profound impact of compassionate care. Through the physical consequences of Olympic glory and the challenges of recovery, Dr. Joseph has been a steadfast presence in Trent's life, embodying what it means to be a true partner in health.