2008 Summer Olympic Games
Bauerfeind supplied and supported German athletes in Beijing, 08/25/2008
It was busy at the Bauerfeind Service Station in the German House in Beijing until well after midnight on the last day of the Games. A number of athletes were taking advantage of their last chance to have their foot pressure measured or were picking up their orthopedic insoles. The team’s services were in greater demand this year than at any other Games.
The Bauerfeind team—which of course was also there to help the staff at the German House if the worst came to worst—were called upon to help more than a 100 times. And this does not even include the physical therapy that was provided. In contrast, four years ago in Athens the team was asked to help a total of 80 or so times. Apart from supports for training and competition, the treatment most frequently requested in Beijing was orthopedic insoles, which the team was able to fabricate on site. The Bauerfeind Station’s neighbors soon got used to the sound of the grinding machine. Athletes who needed lymph drainage, functional bandages or a massage were in good hands with Heinz Marnette. The physical therapist, who works for the German Wrestling Association, joined the Bauerfeind Team after they had been there a week. The sewing machine was also pressed into service for custom tailoring supports for athletes or making a quick repair to a tricot or to hem a pair of pants. This flexibility and willingness to help was appreciated by both the athletes and the staff at the German House. Finally, the team was also able provide first aid in the form of antiseptic, blister bandages or ointment. And the Olympic athletes also enjoyed just stopping by the Bauerfeind Station—to play table tennis, watch TV, just to chat or to show off their medals.
Handball player Nadine Haerdter, who injured her elbow in the first game, got a custom-fabricated orthosis. She needed a product that would prevent her from fully extending her elbow, but would still allow her to throw unimpeded. An orthosis, which includes rods and hard materials, was not an option, because neither is allowed during games. Joachim Boeckelmann, Bauerfeind’s Director of Medical Technical Support, and his colleague Katja Speth combined the EpiTrain® elbow support with a strap system that prevented full extension. The straps were sewn directly onto the support. The result: Nadine Haerdter was able to play again in the team’s final games.
The care we provided to Waldemar Hartmann caused quite a stir. The ARD television host, who was in Beijing filming the “Waldi and Harry” show together with Harald Schmidt, twisted his left ankle and was given first aid in the form of Bauerfeind’s AirLoc® support.
Bauerfeind’s team of care providers hosted international guests at an evening reception for physicians. In addition to the physicians and physical therapists with the German team, many members of the medical committee of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) came to the event at the German House. They were interested in finding out where and how the orthopedic service functioned and which products and measurement technologies were in demand. Klaus Eder, the head physical therapist for the German team, thanked the supplier team for their highly dependable cooperation. He reminded those present that the manufacturer of medical aids does not limit its commitment to sports to the Olympic Games; the German athletes are also provided with products and care between the Games.
