Misty May-Treanor’s Story

I began suffering from nasal allergies at a young age and at first, didn’t take the itchy, runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion very seriously. Throughout my career, I always took a proactive and aggressive approach to training and preparation for games but didn’t realize how important it was to have that same mentality in advance of my peak allergy seasons.

When my teammate and I won our first gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece it was a dream come true and I never imagined I’d compete in two more Olympic games. But when we arrived for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, I was surprised by the onset of my nasal allergy symptoms triggered by the intense smog. I could hardly breathe and wasn’t sure I would even be able to complete. I quickly realized that I should have been prepared for not just the games but also the climate. Luckily I worked with the team doctor to help manage my symptoms. We took home our second gold medal in Beijing despite the presence of my nasal allergies.

My decision to retire from beach volleyball after the 2012 Olympics in London was a difficult one, but I know it is time for new and exciting adventures. I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my life, which includes spending more time with my husband, coaching indoor college volleyball and pursuing a master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration. And even though I’m not competing at a global level anymore, I still make sure my nasal allergy symptoms don’t get in the way of spending time with those I love and the new adventures my life brings. That’s why I continue to schedule regular appointments with my doctor to discuss my treatment plan.

If you’re suffering from nasal allergies, I encourage you to talk to a doctor about your symptoms and treatment options before peak allergy season arrives. Don’t let your nasal allergies keep you from anything, whether that be reaching for gold or simply enjoying an afternoon at the ballpark with family or friends.