Supporting sportspeople – from Olympians to amateurs

With all eyes on Paris for this summer’s Olympic Games, we look at how UCLH’s Institute of Sport, Health and Exercise (ISEH) has supported one of Britian’s Olympic hopefuls, and the care it provides for all kinds of sportspeople, from professionals to weekend warriors.

Known as the world’s fastest accountant, sub-10 second 100-metre sprinter Eugene Amo-Dadzie is hoping to become the world’s fastest person, full stop, if his dreams of competing for Great Britian in the 100m sprint at the Olympics this summer come true.

Eugene is not your average Olympian. He came to competitive sprinting relatively late in life, at age 26, by which time he was a qualified chartered accountant, and he was 31 when he made his world championship debut.

Just like his competitors, Eugene operates at the limit of human ability, which means injury is a risk. In 2020, a hamstring injury meant he required treatment, which he found at UCLH’s ISEH, where he had both MRI and ultrasound scans.

“Since then, I’ve had further MRIs and ultrasound scans to diagnose other injuries. The information gained from these diagnostics has been invaluable in ensuring the correct course of treatment,” said Eugene.

Eugene now visits the ISEH regularly, where he sees Dr Noel Pollock, a consultant in sport and exercise medicine.

“Dr Pollock and the ISEH have become an integral part of my set-up. I visit at least every eight to 10 weeks for routine check-ups or diagnostics,” said Eugene.

“Dr Pollock’s experience and knowledge of the interventions best suited to keeping my body in a good place have been hugely beneficial, including identifying and rectifying vitamin deficiencies and the quick diagnosis and treatment of injuries.

“Following my appointments, I have greater confidence in my body to overcome setbacks and respond positively to training. This has ultimately supported steady improvements in my performance from a personal best of 10.55 seconds in the

100m when I first saw Dr Pollock, to 9.93 seconds now.”

Dr Pollock specialises in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of sports and musculoskeletal injury and has served as the team doctor for the British track and field team.

He said: “The ISEH is proud to provide consistent, high-quality care and clinical support to both elite and recreational athletes.”

So, with the confidence that he’s performing at his peak, how does Eugene feel about the possibility of taking gold for Team GB in Paris?

“That would be a dream beyond a dream! Something to inspire the average person who is working nineto- five but has a passion they feel is too late to pursue. I’ll give it all I’ve got.”