Native Midlander shares her role as one of the chosen medical staff for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics

MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Joann Brito, a native Midlander who is currently in Paris working with Team USA at the 2024 Olympics as a licensed massage therapist, shared her excitement and gratitude for being able to contribute to this international multi-sport event.

According to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, medical staff and volunteer medical team members were chosen and entrusted with the care of over 850 U.S. athletes representing 53 sports at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024, including Joann Brito.

Joann Brito, a native Midlander and licensed massage therapist whose work base is at the Chula Vista training facility in California is now working with athletes at the Olympics.“It’s been a dream come true to be able to support the best athletes in the world in this beautiful city of Paris,” Brito said.

Brito shared that so far she hasn’t had time to explore the outside of the Olympic Village but that she’s seen and enjoyed several things.

“I’ve been to Team USA House where I met Flavor Flav and gave him one of my ‘Massage Ninja’ pins, I saw the Eiffel Tower twinkle for the first time when I went to beach volleyball practice and witnessed their test run for the lights. The beach volleyball venue is insane and I’m so glad I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time at night in that setting…so magical.”

Brito also added that she was excited to know that there was another native Midlander with her in Paris. “It’s also great to have a native Midlander and former Midland High School graduate here,” she said. “As most of you know Bryce Hoppel will be competing soon, so I’m so excited to be cheering him on, as well as the rest of our Team USA athletes in their journey to Gold.”

Out of everything Brito has seen so far in Paris, she said that “watching women’s rugby win bronze for the first time and making history, has been the highlight so far, and definitely a few tears were shed in that moment.”

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