Competitors and companions: The connection formed at the World Transplant Games between Erik and Elmar
World Transplant Games Promote Health, Fitness, and Awareness
The World Transplant Games (WTG) are a unique multi-sport event held every two years, specifically designed for organ transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families. These games, which took place in Perth, Australia in an unspecified year, are significant in promoting health, fitness, and awareness about organ donation.
Erik Van Rompaye of Belgium and Elmar Sprink from Germany are two athletes who have made a profound impact at the WTG. Both were accomplished endurance athletes before undergoing transplants - Van Rompaye received a liver transplant in 2021, while Sprink received a heart transplant in 2012. After their surgeries, they have competed in various endurance events, including the World Transplant Games, 691K Cape Epic mountain bike races, the IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii, and two Olympic distance triathlons, as well as the New York City Marathon and the European Transplant Games for Van Rompaye.
At the World Transplant Games in Perth, Van Rompaye edged Sprink for gold in the 5K road race and sprint triathlon. Their friendship transcends rivalry, exemplifying mutual encouragement and emotional resilience that the Games foster within this unique community.
The WTG provides a platform for raising organ donation awareness, with events ranging from track and field to badminton, swimming, pétanque, and more. The games are open to participants aged 4 to 89 from 51 countries. Although there have been discussions about tailoring events for elite competitors, the federation emphasizes that the Games are also about inclusion and not just competition.
Dr. Diethard Monbaliu, an abdominal transplant surgeon in Belgium, stresses the importance of moderation in exercise for transplant athletes to avoid infection and cardiovascular problems. More research on high-performance athletes like Van Rompaye and Sprink is needed, according to Dr. Monbaliu, to better understand their unique needs and adaptations.
World Transplant Games President Liz Schick describes herself as an athlete who helps others and emphasizes the importance of inclusion in the Games. Schick states that the Games are about more than just competition; they are about building a supportive community among transplant recipients, donors, and families. The event's ceremonies also honor donor families, emphasizing the essential human connections at the heart of transplantation and recovery.
The World Transplant Games is an Olympic-style event that aims to positively impact athletes like Van Rompaye and Sprink by reinforcing physical recovery and mental well-being through friendship and competition. The Games have transformed lives by empowering participants to demonstrate strength and vitality post-transplant, elevating societal conversations around organ donation. Athletes competing, such as the UAE's first team and other international participants, embody stories of survival and gratitude that inspire public awareness and donor registration programs globally.
