Activities of medical centers for athletes and spectators at cycling track events in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

ABSTRACT

AIM: We focused on the preparation and activities of clinics for spectators and athletes in the Izu Velodrome in Shizuoka Prefecture, which was managed by the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (TOC). METHODS: Two medical clinics were established for the track cycling competition one for Olympians and their associates, and one for spectators, TOC-related individuals, and volunteers. Each medical clinic had two separate buildings. One was for individuals with suspected coronavirus disease (COVID-19); the other was for individuals who were deemed unlikely to have COVID-19. RESULTS: During the Olympics, five Olympians and one umpire were transported to a designated hospital. All of them had fall-related injuries. Nine patients visited the clinic for spectators, and six of the nine were volunteers. Two volunteers showed side-effects in association with COVID-19 vaccination. Five of the nine patients had outdoor-related disease. During the Paralympics Games, no Olympians visited the clinic, and three volunteers were treated at the clinic for spectators. All had outdoor-related diseases and returned to work after treatment. There were no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among individuals who attended the Olympic cycling track during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed the results of activities of the two clinics for the Olympics and Paralympics. Both medical clinics were necessary for the safe operation of the Olympics and Paralympics.