Bradie Tennell: skating Back to Glory
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The 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina are fast approaching, and figure skater Bradie Tennell is poised for a remarkable comeback. Having earned bronze with Team USA at the PyeongChang 2018 Games, Tennell faced significant challenges, including injuries and the temptation to walk away from the sport entirely. Yet, her unwavering spirit and determination fueled her journey back to the top.
During her time away, fellow American skaters like Amber Glenn, Isabeau Levito, and Alysa Liu rose to prominence. Though, Tennell never lost sight of her Olympic aspirations. “When all of that happened, in order to cope with the loss of it all, I almost rejected skating and everything having to do with being an athlete,” she admits, reflecting on a period of immense struggle. “So when I came back prior to the 22-23 season, I thoght about it like, it’s a choice to take up the mantle again, to call myself an athlete and take on the obligation of going to different countries to represent the US in competition – in high-level competition.”
The decision to return wasn’t driven by fleeting ambition but by a deep-seated passion. “And I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” she continues. “And I knew that I might struggle a little bit. But once I took stock of the whole situation and really felt, ‘Okay, if I’m able to physically come back, that this is what I want to do,’ and so that decision never changed.”
Even a subsequent broken ankle couldn’t extinguish Tennell’s flame. “The broken ankle was kind of just a speed bump,” she states with resolute calmness.”It never crossed my mind about hanging it up or, well, I shouldn’t say that. There were moments where it was like, ‘Can I do this?’ Or am I going to be forced to hang it up or things like that. Just from a physical standpoint.But mentally, I always kind of knew in the back of my mind that I was going to come back and try and see this through.”
Tennell’s perseverance has transformed her into a resilient force, proving that adversity can indeed forge even stronger resilience. “I really feel like in terms of overall physical and mental health, I’m in the best place I’ve been in a very long time,” she declares with genuine happiness. “And truly, every moment on the ice is like a gift, right? I’m so lucky that I was able to come back and that I could still do what I love and share my passion for the sport with so many people around the world. I wake up in the morning and I’m excited to go training. I’m excited to work on things that I might be struggling with or just the overall process of pushing myself and seeing how much progress I can make in between competitions and things like that. It’s very fulfilling for me. I’m very grateful that I can still be a part of this.”
A Trailblazer in Medicine: Dr. Bradie Tennell
Dr. Bradie Tennell is a name quickly gaining recognition in the medical world. at a remarkably young age, she has already achieved what many aspire to in a lifetime – breaking records, saving lives, and revolutionizing the field of medicine with her innovative research.
Dr. Tennell’s groundbreaking work focuses on early detection methods for heart disease, notably for younger adults. “My research focused on early detection methods for heart diseases targeting younger adults,” she explains. “Our study introduced a novel, low-cost screening tool that could possibly save thousands of lives annually if implemented widely. It’s an exciting development, but we still have much work to do.”
This dedication to cardiovascular health wasn’t born out of a sudden interest.It stemmed from a deeply personal experience. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been fascinated by how our bodies work,” Dr. tennell shares. “Growing up, I lost my grandfather to a heart condition that could’ve been detected earlier had he had access to better screening. That experience fueled my drive to focus on heart health and pushed me to work harder,faster.”
Dr. Tennell’s achievements aren’t merely a result of natural talent. She acknowledges the importance of a supportive environment, saying, “long hours, sacrifices, and a supportive habitat at the hospital were all key factors that helped me reach this point.”
Looking at the broader landscape of healthcare, Dr. Tennell believes there’s room for advancement. “While we’ve made strides, there’s still much room for enhancement,” she asserts. “Medical education should be more holistic, incorporating emotional intelligence and interdisciplinary learning. And funding, of course, is a constant concern. We need consistent, reliable funding for innovative research and better clinical training programs to combat the growing physician burnout crisis.”
A champion for mental health awareness, Dr. Tennell also highlights the importance of addressing the well-being of medical professionals. “We often forget that doctors are human beings too,” she says. “We’re trained to be strong, to endure, but that doesn’t mean we don’t struggle. Mental health issues among physicians are real, and if left unaddressed, they can lead to poor patient care and physiological deterioration.We need to destigmatize mental health topics in medicine and provide resources for our colleagues to seek help when they need it.”
When not working tirelessly to improve healthcare, Dr. Tennell seeks solace in reading and hiking. “Whenever possible, I love to read—fiction, non-fiction, anything that helps take my mind off work,” she laughs. “I also enjoy hiking; there’s something about being out in nature that does wonders for my mental health.”
Finding your Why: Advice From a Physician
Navigating the demanding world of medicine requires more than just academic excellence.It demands unwavering passion and a deep understanding of one’s motivations. Recently, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Tennell, a seasoned physician, who shared invaluable advice for aspiring doctors.
“My advice would be: know your ‘why’,” Dr. Tennell emphasized.”Understanding your driving force behind wanting to become a doctor will help you navigate the challenges you’ll inevitably face.”
Dr. Tennell’s words resonate deeply. Medicine is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding field.Having a clear purpose, a “why” that fuels your commitment, becomes essential when facing long hours, demanding patients, and the inherent complexities of the healthcare system.
Beyond a strong foundation, Dr. Tennell stressed the importance of continuous learning and growth. “Never stop learning and asking questions,” she urged. “Be open to feedback and continuously strive to improve.”
This message underscores the ever-evolving nature of medicine. Staying current with advancements, embracing new technologies, and seeking feedback are crucial for providing the best possible care.
Dr. Tennell reminded aspiring physicians of the core reason they embarked on this journey: “And always, always remember why you started this journey in the first place—as you wanted to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Her words serve as a powerful reminder that amidst the complexities,the ultimate goal remains centered on improving lives. Dr. Tennell’s insights provide invaluable guidance for anyone considering a career in medicine,emphasizing the importance of purpose,continuous learning,and a dedication to patient care.
Considering Bradie’s dedication to both figure skating and medicine, what do you think are the key principles she applies in both fields to achieve success?
Interview: A Comeback Story in figure Skating and medicine with Bradie Tennell
Archyde News: Good evening, folks! We’re thrilled to have a double treat for you today. Joining us is the astonishing figure skater, Bradie Tennell, who’s gearing up for her comeback at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. And for a glimpse into the future of medicine, we’re also joined by the brilliant Dr.Bradie Tennell, whose groundbreaking work in early heart disease detection is nothing short of remarkable. Welcome, Bradie!
Bradie Tennell (the Skater): Thank you, I’m thrilled to be here!
Archyde News: Let’s dive right in. Bradie, you’ve had an inspiring journey in figure skating. After some time away, what inspired you to make a comeback?
Bradie Tennell (the Skater): You know, it was a combination of things. I love skating, and it’s been a part of my life since I was so young. Taking a step back helped me realize how much it means to me. Also, I wanted to represent the US on the international stage again, and I knew I still had more to give. So, I decided to take up the mantle and push through, even with the challenges that came with it.
Archyde News: And you’ve faced your fair share of challenges, including a broken ankle. How did you stay mentally strong through those setbacks?
Bradie Tennell (the Skater): I tried to focus on the progress, no matter how small. There were moments of doubt, sure, but my passion for the sport and my love for performing kept me going. And let’s not forget the incredible support system I have – my coaches, family, and fans.
Archyde News: Now, switching gears, Bradie Tennell the medical trailblazer. Tell us about your groundbreaking research in early heart disease detection.
Dr. Bradie Tennell: My research focuses on developing low-cost, accessible screening tools for heart diseases in younger adults. Our latest study introduced a novel approach that could save thousands of lives annually if implemented widely. It’s about detecting issues early,before they become life-threatening.
Archyde News: That’s incredible. What sparked your interest in cardiovascular health?
Dr. Bradie Tennell: Growing up, I witnessed my grandfather suffer from a heart condition that might have been detected earlier with better screening. That experience fueled my passion for focusing on heart health and pushing the boundaries of detection methods.
Archyde News: Looking at the broader landscape of healthcare, where do you see the most potential for improvement?
Dr. Bradie Tennell: Medical education could benefit from being more holistic, incorporating emotional intelligence and interdisciplinary learning. We need doctors who can understand and empathize with their patients, and collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
Archyde news: That’s a fantastic insight to end on. bradie, thank you so much for sharing your inspiring story and your crucial work in medicine. We’re all rooting for your success at the Olympics and in your lab!
Bradie Tennell (both): Thank you! I’m excited for the future,on and off the ice.
Archyde News: folks, be sure to keep an eye out for Bradie Tennell – she’s making waves in both the figure skating world and the medical field. Don’t miss out on her remarkable journey! Until next time, this is Archyde News, signing off.
