IOC-OLYMPIC PRIZE 2002
Professor Bengt Saltin M.D., Drs.h.c.
On 12 December, the president of the International Olympic Committee, Dr Jacques Rogge, announced that Professor Bengt Saltin, M.D., was selected as winner of the 2002 IOC Olympic Prize on Sport Sciences, the highest honour in the field of movement, exercise and sport sciences (MES). Endowed by Pfizer, the $500,000 prize is officially presented to Dr Saltin at the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City - along with an Olympic medal. The announcement noted Dr Saltin's outstanding contributions in exercise physiology, including his path-breaking research that proved the benefits of physical activity in health recovery. His research explores the valuable question of "to exercise or not" in prevention of and recovery from diseases.
"Dr Saltin's work epitomizes what this award is all about - helping people live active lives," said Prince Alexandre de Merode, Chairman, IOC Medical Commission. "The IOC Olympic Prize is a catalyst for scientific discoveries that will benefit athletes and recreational enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. Together, the IOC and Pfizer are committed to improving research and sharing scientific knowledge in this field."
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The impact of Dr Saltin's research can be felt throughout society - in the medical field and in the everyday lives of people, from the promotion of basic physical health to the enhancement of elite performance.
Through research studying the effects that inactivity has on the body, which was commissioned in part by NASA, Saltin confirmed that exercise, not bed rest, should be a part of recovery after experiencing illness/injury. This marked a major shift in how patients were treated following injury or illness.
"Years ago, it was thought that rest and relaxation were the best ways to recuperate from an injury or illness, but my research proved that, in fact, it's the opposite," said Saltin. "People should work with their doctor to create an active recuperation plan following any injury or illness, cardiovascular or athletic."
Dr Saltin's findings also contributed to the concept that regular exercise is important for health and well-being. In addition, his study of elite athletes while exercising and training has led to a better understanding of the importance of oxygen flow to the muscles (as well as availability of nutrients) in exercise and overall health. He has used these findings to study other areas such as anemia and the overall positive effects of exercise, focusing on the use of exercise to maintain and regain health.
"Pfizer is committed to furthering scientific research that underscores the importance of exercise and physical activity in cardiovascular and other disease treatment. This research is crucial to improving human movement, providing preventative care, and better managing disease states for people who seek to live a healthy lifestyle," said Randall Kaye, MD, Director of Olympic Affairs for Pfizer, Inc.
In addition to the $500,000 and an Olympic Medal, Saltin will receive a diploma of excellence for his contributions to science. The Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City will mark the fourth time this coveted prize has been awarded.
The IOC Medical Commission and Pfizer believe the IOC Olympic Prize heightens the recognition for research of movement and mobility, and thus attracts brilliant scientific minds to study and further human performance.
To ensure that the IOC Olympic Prize reflects scientific work of the highest degree, a Selection Committee composed of worldwide renowned scientists and thought leaders evaluated peer nominations of candidates from multiple fields of science. Rigorous criteria guide the selection of a scientist whose contributions to movement, exercise, and sport sciences have a significant impact on science and/or society.
Although the IOC Olympic Prize on Sports Sciences is the main focus of the Pfizer/IOC Medical Commission partnership, Pfizer also endows three other major IOC Medical Commission initiatives including: IOC Olympic World Congress on Sport Sciences, IOC Olympic Academy on Sports Sciences, and Pfizer/IOC Olympic Research on Sport Sciences. For further information about the IOC Olympic Programs visit www.olympic.org or www.pfizer.com.