Among the thousands who effectively combined their expertise on the organizational front for the successful execution of the Paris 2024 Olympics is Ghanaian medical doctor Eric Tetteh Ayertey.

Selected by the International Olympic Committee and the French Local Organizing Committee from among thousands of volunteers, Dr. Ayertey was one of the few international Athlete Support Delegates for the grand opening ceremony. Additionally, he played a key role as a member of the health workforce at various Olympic venues. Beyond his expertise as a healthcare professional, Dr. Ayertey is multilingual, acknowledging the impact his proficiency in French, Italian, and English had on his roles at the Olympic Games.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, his responsibilities included serving as a liaison for teams and providing essential medical and anti-doping support at the Paris South Arena and the Trocadéro Terraces. Dr. Ayertey’s involvement was instrumental in ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes, marking a significant moment in his career and for Ghana, as he became one of the few African medical professionals to hold such a distinguished role in Olympic history.

Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Ayertey describes his participation as not just a career milestone but also a profound learning opportunity. He expressed deep gratitude to his pivotal mentor, Dr. Prince Pambo, who fueled his passion, knowledge, and experience. He also acknowledged other international professionals in the sports medicine ecosystem who have guided him on his journey. His selection and involvement have been a testament to his unwavering passion and commitment to sports science, medicine, and athlete well-being.

With additional training in doping control from Clearidium in Denmark and a strong advocacy for evidence-based sports science practices, Dr. Ayertey is passionate about promoting clean sports and fair competition. He highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, "Collaboration Creates Magic—The Olympics Showed Me the Power of Working Together." This insight was crucial in his role at the Games, where teamwork was essential to ensuring the success and safety of athletes from around the world.

Dr. Ayertey’s educational background is both impressive and diverse. He graduated from the University of Health and Allied Sciences and the University of Ghana Medical School and is currently advancing his expertise at Loughborough University, renowned as the best university in the world for sports programs. His selection as one of only three global recipients of the Development Trust Africa Scholarship underscores his exceptional progress and drive in the field.

Beyond academia, Dr. Ayertey has demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing sports in Ghana, particularly through his impactful work with the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA). He successfully secured international sponsorships and partnerships tailored towards improving the sport’s infrastructure, especially in areas of injury prevention, management, and the science of high performance. This commitment was further highlighted on the global stage when he presented his research on ‘Bukom Boxing Concussion Injury’ at the prestigious IOC Conference on Illness and Injury Prevention in Monaco, France, earlier this year. Dr. Ayertey is committed to bringing these international experiences back home to Ghana, where he continues to support and collaborate with stakeholders within the sports landscape.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ayertey is set to continue his contributions to global sports by participating in the upcoming Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, scheduled from August 24 to September 8, 2024. He approaches this opportunity with the same dedication that has marked his career drive thus far, ready to support the athletes and ensure their well-being throughout the event.