Medical issues relating to the Sydney Olympic games

The Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 represent a significant medical and sporti ng challenge. Prior planning is the key to optimal performance, and team me dical staff should be familiar with major medical and injury concerns of at hletes and officials well prior to departure. A comprehensive team medical kit should be organised. Travel will be over great distances for many teams , so particular attention to optimising sleep and hydration is essential. T he Olympic village experience can be overwhelming for some athletes, and me dical staff should provide informed advice on food, transport and safety is sues. Heat is less likely to be an issue than at recent summer Olympic Game s, but should not be ignored completely. Major incidents can occur at any m ajor sporting festival, and team medical staff should be appropriately prep ared for these, All team medical staff should be aware of the current list of banned substances, and seek to minimise drug use by their athletes. Afte r the event, an appropriate debriefing session should be held with a view t o planning improvements for the future.