Doctor Diaries at the Olympics
I woke up excited as it was going to be my first day to work my shift.
Because my shift will not start until 5 p.m., I decided to buy tickets for tennis. I headed to the tennis center, which was just across my work area, and lined up just like all the rest.
There were a lot of people already trying to get in when I was already inside the grandstand. That’s when I saw Kei Nishikori of Japan battling it out with Albert Ramos-Vinolas of Spain.
I had courtside seats, so the view from my seat was excellent. In the end, Nishikori won in straight sets. Next match was between Ana Ivanovich of Serbia and Paula Suarez Navarro of Spain.
I know a lot of my tennis buddies back home would have loved to be where I was seated.
I finished the game, and I was already due for my shift. I then proceeded to the Carioca Arena 1, where I was assigned that day.
I made my way to the check in kiosk and had my credentials validated. I was given a meal stub and was then on my way inside. Security before I reached the medical post was so tight. My ID was checked in several check points. Brazil’s elite force with long firearms were stationed in several areas.
Upon reaching my station, I reported to my manager and met the other volunteers. There were physiotherapists, nurses, osteopaths and other paramedicals. They came from Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, United Kingdom and from different parts of Brazil. I was given a short briefing and had a quick tour of the arena. It was a state of the art basketball court. How I wished we had one like it in Cebu.
At 7 p.m. that evening, USA was going to play China. I was assigned to work the last game at 10:30 with Venezuela going up against Serbia.
From where I was at the athlete’s medical post, I could see the USA team doing some light stretching and dribbling the ball.
It was a different feeling seeing the likes of Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and Kyrie Erving in the flesh .We were warned beforehand that we can’t take pictures, ask for autographs or engage the players in any form of conversation.
Then off they went to the court and after four quarters, they came back to the changing rooms victorious against China.
Later that evening, Venezuela played against Serbia. I was seated courtside with a physiotherapist and a nurse.
I was hoping I wouldn’t have to answer to any injuries. Good thing nothing happened to any of the players.
The game ended way past midnight with Serbia winning over Venezuela. I enjoyed watching not only the game but also Venezuelans cheer for their team.
After doing some after care in the clinic, I and the other medical volunteers headed for the bus station. I arrived in my hotel in the wee hours of the morning, tired but happy, looking forward to the day ahead.