Radiologists play a key role in the Olympic and Paralympic Games, providing imaging services in the Olympic Village and at venues throughout the host city to ensure the health, safety and well-being of the participating athletes.
Below, we present some statistics on the use of imaging in previous editions of the Olympic Games and share the story of Bruce Forster, MSc, MD, FRCPC, about his experiences as a radiologist in various editions of the games.
Statistics on the use of images at the Olympics
- London 2012:
- 835 MRI scans carried out.
- 405 x-rays carried out
- Rio 2016:
- 607 MRI scans carried out.
- 304 x-rays carried out
- Tokyo 2020:
- 567 MRI scans carried out.
- 352 x-rays carried out
The importance of radiologists at the Olympic Games
Radiologists not only diagnose injuries, but also help decide whether or not athletes should continue competing.
Accuracy and speed of diagnosis are crucial for proper treatment and the safe return of athletes to competition.
Bruce Forster’s experiences
Bruce Forster shared his experiences as a radiologist at various editions of the Olympic Games, highlighting the importance of teamwork and adequate infrastructure to provide an accurate and rapid diagnosis.
He emphasized how the presence of modern equipment and well-trained staff can make a difference to the treatment of athletes and the continuity of the games.
Conclusion
Radiology plays an essential role in the Olympic Games, ensuring that athletes receive fast and accurate diagnoses, contributing to their health and performance.
The experience of professionals like Bruce Forster highlights the importance of a robust infrastructure and a dedicated team for the success of this work. For more information, visit RSNA. This is an adaptation of the original content published by RSNA.
