IF and IOC medical experts gather to address athletes’ health issues

Medical experts from 28 International Federations (IFs) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), met this week in Lausanne, Switzerland, at a Workshop organised by the ASOIF Medical & Science Consultative Group (AMSCG). The meeting, held on 28 and 29 November, offered the opportunity to address pressing topics related to athletes’ health, including:

• mental health;
• health care at sports events;
• COVID-19 and latest regulations;
• research on sport technology, equipment and wearables;
• field of play injured athlete removal protocols; and
• transgender policies.

Welcoming the participants, ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said:

The wealth of expertise in the room reflects the remarkable achievements accomplished by this group throughout the last years. I’d like to wish you once again fruitful discussions with outcomes, which, I am sure, will benefit the athletes. Protecting their health and well-being should always be in the centre of everything we do.

Margo Mountjoy, AMSCG Chair, said at the close of the Workshop:

This was a very important and constructive meeting. A number of renown experts in the respective fields discussed athlete-centric case studies and best practice, all prioritising the athletes’ well-being. Participants were able to learn about multiple and holistic approaches which are technology and data driven. This workshop remains a valuable platform for the Summer and Winter Olympic IFs to share, collaborate and, most importantly, progress.

The Workshop is organised every two years and takes on topics on athletes’ health, which are relevant across all sports and require joint approaches and solutions.