Clinic Physician

Oldest U.S. Olympic oarswoman gets surprise health results and new sporting challenge. Four-time olympian meghan Musnicki on life after rowing. Words row360. Published 13.08.26. Meghan Musnicki retired after the Paris 2024 Olympics expecting to recalibrate her training. Instead, detailed testing uncovered elevated LDL cholesterol, high lipoprotein(a) and a genetic risk for cardiovascular disease. The results have shaped the 43-year-old American's transition beyond elite rowing. Musnicki, who works for the preventive-health company Biograph in membership development and partnerships, has changed her diet and exercise programme, and begun training for her first marathon. Her rowing résumé made the results unexpected. Musnicki won Olympic gold in the US women's eight at London 2012 and Rio 2016, raced at Tokyo 2020 and, at Paris, became the oldest American woman in Olympic rowing at age 41. The eight finished fifth in the final. Her fitness did not eliminate her inherited cardiovascular risk. Testing changes the plan. Musnicki joined Biograph after an introduction through a mutual connection. The company operates preventive-health clinics in New York and San Francisco, combining diagnostic testing with clinical guidance. "The premise behind all of it is something that obviously really resonated with me given the commitment to living the best life you can live for as long as possible," Musnicki told Sports Business Journal. Testing through Biograph identified high levels of Lp(a), an inherited form of lipoprotein associated with cardiovascular risk. Musnicki had not previously been tested for it. Her father's sudden death from a heart attack at 49, during her freshman year in college, gave the result added weight. "You would think that I would be like a textbook picture of health," she said. "And lo and behold, I have high [Lp(a)], a genetic predisposition to developing cardiovascular disease." The discovery challenged a familiar assumption about elite athletes: exceptional performance can coexist with health risks that routine training data does not detect. Musnicki had spent more than a decade monitoring workload, heart rate, recovery and boat speed, but those measures served Olympic performance rather than a broad assessment of long-term health. "It just makes you pause because no one would look at me and be like, 'Oh, she for sure has high cholesterol,'" she said. "I empower myself with the knowledge of like, okay, this is my reality. And now what choices am I going to make to address and deal with that?" Lifestyle changes before medication. Musnicki chose to try lifestyle interventions before considering a statin. A dietitian and an exercise physiologist helped her develop a plan aimed at reducing her LDL cholesterol and managing her wider risk profile. She reported that her cholesterol fell by 30 points over six months, while her Lp(a) reading dropped by between 25 and 30 points. Lp(a) is largely determined by genetics, so its level and any treatment decisions require individual clinical interpretation. "The value for me wasn't just discovering that I had the issue," Musnicki said. "It was having people that could interpret the information and give me tangible things to do to begin to move the needle. More data isn't always better. It's what you do with it." That distinction mirrors a change she witnessed during her international career. When Musnicki made her first US team in 2010, monitoring centred largely on heart rate and perceived exertion. By her final Olympiad, telemetry could analyse detailed elements of a crew's movement and output. Elite rowing still demanded a narrow objective: make the boat faster within the current selection cycle. Her new programme spreads its attention over a much longer horizon. Strength, sprints and Zone 2. Musnicki continues to train as an endurance athlete, but rowing-specific output no longer governs every session. Heavy lifting now helps her preserve muscle mass and bone density, while Zone 2 cardiovascular work maintains her aerobic base. She has also introduced sprint sessions, jumping, plyometrics and more mobility work. Explosive training has become a priority after years in a sport built around repeated, controlled power. "A lot of it is shifting away from more specific training, again, in thinking of that extraction and thinking more long-term," she said. "As an aging woman, I really focus on making sure I'm doing heavy lifting to preserve my muscle mass and my bone density." Musnicki is also working on her mobility. She said she is trying to shorten the period in the morning when she feels like "the Tin Man", a modest target compared with four Olympic campaigns but one tied directly to daily function. A first marathon after four Olympics. Musnicki is preparing for her first marathon. She has bought a smartwatch to help her train but as yet has not determined the race or a target time. Running offers a new structure after a career spent pursuing selection in the women's eight. Musnicki first tried rowing at St. Lawrence University in 2001 after approaching the athletic department to enquire about basketball. She later transferred to Ithaca College, won NCAA Division III titles in 2004 and 2005, and made the US senior team on her fourth attempt in 2010. She went on to win two Olympic titles and five world titles. The marathon starts from a different position: no seat race, no crew selection and no Olympic cycle, but a fresh endurance problem to solve with a body she now understands differently.

Biograph, a preventive health and diagnostics clinic, has launched an enhanced executive physical programme designed to detect disease risk early. The comprehensive assessment combines advanced imaging, biomarkers and physician analysis to evaluate cardiovascular, cancer, brain and metabolic health. The one-day programme offers over 30 evaluations, including proprietary whole-body MRI and advanced CT scans with 65% less radiation than typical clinics. Data shows one in six members discover significant health findings requiring intervention, whilst 96% of returning members report measurable progress towards health goals. In participants with insulin resistance, 60% showed resolution at six months, potentially saving $100,000–$185,000 per event by avoiding high-cost hospitalisations. The service is available in New York City and San Francisco, offering two membership tiers with ongoing physician support.

Biograph introduces next-generation executive physical designed to detect risk early and improve long-term health outcomes. May 6, 2026 Biograph, the world's most advanced preventive health and diagnostics clinic, today announced the evolution of its Executive Physical, a world-class diagnostic experience that goes beyond traditional executive physicals to uncover hidden risk early, reduce long-term disease, and give individuals more confidence in their health. Combining advanced imaging, biomarkers, and physician-led analysis, Biograph's executive physical follows a clear diagnostic framework that evaluates the four leading drivers of disease - cardiovascular, cancer, brain, and metabolic health. The result is a framework that helps identify the root causes of chronic disease and supports a proactive approach to longevity and peak performance. "Executive health is quickly becoming an underrecognized business risk. When leaders don't have the time or infrastructure to proactively manage their health, it impacts not just the individual, but the organization as a whole. Traditional executive physicals often stop at surface-level screening, but we've built something different. Our modern, data-driven approach not only identifies risk earlier, but actively helps individuals improve their long-term health trajectory." Addressing the Hidden Health Risks of Executive Performance Companies invest heavily in employee wellness - a market valued at roughly $68 billion - yet executive health remains an afterthought despite its impact on leadership continuity and market stability. Research shows that prolonged working hours compounded by job-related stress can increase the relative risks of stroke by up to 35% and heart disease by up to 24%. Despite this, many traditional physicals focus on routine exams and basic bloodwork, which may miss silent conditions affecting long-term health, performance, and longevity. "After experiencing Biograph firsthand, I quickly recognized the value of proactive, data-driven health insights. As a leader, I encourage my team to invest in their health as much as their performance. By expanding access to Biograph to our leadership team, we're able to better measure, model, and proactively reduce health risks, ultimately supporting sustained, long-term productivity and performance." Next-Generation Executive Physicals: The Biograph Difference Biograph offers the most comprehensive health assessment available on the market today. Taking an evidence-based approach to precision medicine, Biograph offers 30+ evaluations in a single day - up to 6 hours - compared to what would traditionally take more than three months and coordination across approximately nine clinical facilities. The curated set of advanced assessments include a proprietary whole-body MRI program, clinical trials, and advanced CT scanners that enable 65% less radiation than what you'd get in a typical clinic. Following a Biograph assessment, data shows that 1 in 6 members discover a significant health finding requiring a follow-up or intervention - findings that would not have surfaced through a standard annual physical. Combining cutting-edge diagnostics with expert-led guidance translates into impact over time, with 96% of returning members reporting measurable progress toward their health goals. For organizations, the implications extend beyond individual health. These outcomes also translate into measurable performance and cost advantages. In a group of Biograph Black Tier participants with insulin resistance as determined by HOMA-IR, 60% of the group showed resolution at six months, including ~10% projected productivity gain per participant and $100K-$185K potential savings per event by avoiding high-cost hospitalizations like stroke or heart attack. Biograph offers two membership tiers - Core and Black - both including a comprehensive one-day assessment and ongoing physician-led support. Biograph Executive Physicals are available in New York City and San Francisco. For additional information, visit www.biograph.com/executive-physical. To learn more about the offering for your organization, please complete the partnership inquiry form. Biograph. Biograph is on a mission to drive meaningful advances in human healthspan and lifespan. Biograph International, Inc. is not simply focused on helping you live longer. Biograph International, Inc. is focused on making every year the best it can be. Because how well you live is as important as how long you live. With an emphasis on human centered design, Biograph International, Inc. has created an unparalleled clinical facility to defy industry norms. Biograph International, Inc. is committed to giving each of its Members exceptional service throughout their Biograph journey. Biograph International, Inc. continuously incorporate new research into its method to remain on the cutting edge of medicine.