Michael Russell—Overcoming Odds and Competing the BB&T Atlanta Open

I love a good story about one person’s will and determination to move forward and succeed. This week, with the BB&T Atlanta Open, tennis fans have plenty of those inspiring stories. As tennis players like Mardy Fish, John Isner, Michael Russell, Ryan Harrison, and others gather at Atlantic Station, we have to wonder what journey these amazing athletes took to get them where they are now. You have to wonder what choices they’ve made and what battles they’ve won (and lost) to land them here in Atlanta this week.

After doing a little digging, I came across Michael Russell. He’s not a headliner, but he once was. I took interest in Russell because he comes from a family of tennis players. His parents both played tennis at University of Michigan. His brother played for Princeton. At the young age of 5, Russell began his journey that would give him nicknames like “Mussell Russell.” In 1996, he was ranked #1 and was dubbed “Rookie of the Year” for boys under 18. Russell turned pro in 1998.

At his career high, he was ranked as ATP’s 60th best in the world. That’s quite a feat to be in the top 100. To this day, he’s still in the top 100. Now, he’s known as the oldest player in the top 100, currently ranked 86th.

As with any athlete, injuries were inevitable. But Russell’s injuries led him to fall from the top 100.  The knee pain Russell experienced was thought to be tendonitis. He would play and then let his knee rest. Unfortunately, the real cause of pain was a piece of bone in his knee was breaking off, causing that pain. An entire lifetime of playing the sport he loved most destroyed his knees. Russell had operations on both knees. At this point, doctors advised he hang up his tennis racket and retire. But Russell’s love for tennis outweighed his doctor’s recommendations.

He recovered from his injuries out of pure determination. He followed doctor’s orders, of course. But he also trained and started taking care of his body. Turns out that Michael Russell takes a liquid glucosamine supplement. According to Russell, he takes Synflex arthritis joint supplements daily.

Synflex liquid glucosamine rebuilds and regenerates cartilage between joints. This helps alleviate arthritis pain. Glucosamine combined with chondroitin allows joints (like the joints in found in our knees) flexibility and strength. The longer you take it, the better it works. Another benefit is that glucosamine and chondroitin are natural supplements found in our bodies. It’s not an NSAID or pain reliever that has dangerous side effects.

Michael Russell overcame his injuries. Now, he’s back in the top 100. He persevered and worked hard. He trained and took care of his body. Russell has full support of his wife and his family and taking what he claims is the best glucosamine chondroitin supplement, he manages to compete and do it well. It’s athletes like Michael Russell who give us hope. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been injured. It doesn’t matter if you’re older than other top players. If you truly want something and love it as much as Michael Russell loves tennis, you most definitely can achieve it. You can overcome anything.