2024 Paris Olympics: Dr Eric Ayertey, the unsung Ghanaian hero behind athlete safety

As the sun set on the Paris 2024 Olympics last Sunday, the world bid farewell to a spectacle of athletic prowess, unity and global celebration. However, behind the scenes, a Ghanaian medical professional’s quiet, yet profound contribution to the global event, went largely unnoticed.

Dr Eric Tetteh Ayertey, a Ghanaian-born physician, was not only present but played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the athletes — a feat that has now placed him among the elite in sports medicine on the global stage. His journey to the Olympics was as remarkable as it was inspirational.

Dr Ayertey’s involvement in the Paris 2024 Olympics was not by chance; it was the result of years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering passion for sports, medicine and athlete welfare. His selection as one of the few International Athlete Support Delegates for the grand opening ceremony by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the French Local Organising Committee was a career-defining moment for him. As part of the team liaison, medical, and anti-doping workforce, Dr Ayertey became a vital member of the health workforce, ensuring that athletes were not only competing on a level playing field but also in an environment that prioritised their safety and well-being.

Historic milestone
At major venues such as the Paris South Arena and the Trocadéro Terraces, his expertise was indispensable as a key member of the medical and anti-doping workforce to ensure that the integrity of the Olympic Games was upheld. It is not every day that a Ghanaian doctor finds himself at the heart of such a global event. In a field dominated by professionals from more developed nations, Dr Ayertey’s presence at the Games marked a significant milestone — not just for himself, but also for Ghana.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr Ayertey describes his involvement in the Paris 2024 Olympics as not just a career highlight but a profound learning experience. He credits distinguished mentors such as Dr Prince Pambo and other international officials for shaping his path. With specialised training in doping control from Clearidium, Denmark, and a strong advocacy for evidence-based sports science practices, Dr Ayertey’s passion for clean sports is profound.

Recounting his experience in Paris, he was quick to emphasise the power of collaboration. “Collaboration creates magic. The Olympics showed me the power of working together,” Dr Ayertey told the Daily Graphic, highlighting the importance of teamwork in his Olympic journey. His role required seamless coordination across multiple disciplines, and it was this spirit of collaboration that ensured the Olympic Games ran smoothly and safely. This lesson is one that he plans to carry forward into his future endeavours, both in Ghana and on the international stage.

A career built on excellence and passion
Dr Ayertey’s path to the Olympics was paved with years of hard work and a relentless pursuit of excellence. A graduate of the University of Health and Allied Sciences and the University of Ghana Medical School, he is currently furthering his expertise at Loughborough University, one of the world’s leading institutions for sports programmes. His academic credentials are as diverse as they are impressive, but it is his passion for sports medicine that truly sets him apart.
One of only three global recipients of the prestigious Development Trust Africa Scholarship, Dr Ayertey’s academic journey has been nothing short of exceptional. However, his contributions extend far beyond the classroom. In Ghana, he has been a driving force in the development of sports infrastructure, particularly through his work with the Ghana Boxing Authority. His efforts to secure international sponsorships have significantly enhanced the sport.

Clean sports and athlete safety
Dr Ayertey’s commitment to sports science and athlete well-being is evident in his strong advocacy for clean sports. Trained in doping control by Clearidium in Denmark, he is a staunch supporter of evidence-based practices in sports science. His enthusiasm for fair competition was a perfect fit for his role at the Olympics, where he was tasked with ensuring that athletes competed in a clean and safe environment.

His influence is not limited to Ghana. Dr Ayertey has made a name for himself on the international stage as well. His research on ‘Bukom Boxing Concussion Injury’ was presented at the IOC Conference on Illness and Injury Prevention in Monaco, where he showcased Ghana’s rich boxing heritage while advocating for greater safety measures for athletes. His work in this area has been instrumental in raising awareness of the importance of athlete safety, both in Ghana and beyond.

In addition to his medical expertise, Dr Ayertey’s multilingual abilities proved to be a valuable asset during the Paris Games. Fluent in French, Italian and English, he was able to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, making him well-suited to his international role as he connected well with athletes and officials from around the world.

Sportsman at heart
Dr Ayertey’s passion for sports is deeply rooted in his athletic background. As a former sportsperson in football, table tennis and athletics, he has always been deeply immersed in the world of sports. This experience, coupled with his time as a sports anchor and analyst across the sports media landscape in Ghana, has given him a unique perspective on the challenges and needs of athletes and drives his passion for sports medicine and the science of high-performance delivery.

Looking into the future, Dr Ayertey says he is determined to leave a lasting impact on the global sports community. “Dream big, execute big. The Olympics taught me that the extraordinary happens when preparation meets opportunity,” he remarked, capturing the essence of his approach to both his career and life.