“What they do is an inspiration to us all”: Inge (45) is the support and confidant of the Paralympians (Ghent)

Badminton player Man-Kei To, table tennis player Florian Van Acker, hand biker Jonas Van De Steene, … These are just a few of the almost thirty athletes who will uphold our national honour at the Paralympic Games in Paris. The fact that they can start their competitions in top form is thanks to an entire team, including federation doctor Inge Bru. Together with her Brussels colleague Sophie Lambrecht, she is going to Paris as a sports doctor, but in daily life she works as a specialist at the Ghent University Hospital.

“I help people who have been severely paralyzed,” says Inge. “They are often young people whose lives have changed completely, for example after an accident. With our team, we help them find their way back to an independent life with a job, hobbies and other activities.”

Great respect

Sports and exercise are an important part of that rehabilitation. Many of the athletes at the Paralympics were rehabilitated at the rehabilitation centre of the Ghent University Hospital. “I have known cyclists Ewoud Vromant, Jonas Van De Steene and Marvin Odent for a while, yes. Of course it is wonderful to see that someone who has reached such a high level in his sport after his rehabilitation process and resuming his life. They are an inspiration to other people, although of course not everyone has to aim so high. Everyone has their own rhythm in processing what happened to them, and they all deserve our greatest respect.”

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In Paris, the athletes can count not only on the two doctors, but also on two nurses, two psychologists and eight physiotherapists. A whole team, but that is not an unnecessary luxury. “Make no mistake: they are top athletes,” says Inge.

“And of course their disability brings additional challenges. An athlete with a spinal cord injury has more difficulty regulating their body temperature and is more likely to develop wounds. For amputee athletes, we have to make sure their stump stays in good condition: if they can’t wear their prosthesis, they can’t do their sport. There’s a lot involved, but we’re well prepared.” (Continue reading below the photo)

Strong bond

It makes sense that the Ostend doctor has a strong bond with ‘her’ athletes. “Some big countries have hundreds of athletes here, but that’s different with us of course. They all have my direct number, and can reach me quickly via WhatsApp. And of course I’m their biggest supporter! There’s not much time to go and watch the games, but I often send a message beforehand to wish them good luck. Mental support is also important.”

Inge has her hands more than full. And if there is still some free time, she visits colleagues from other countries. “Our field is such a niche: at refresher courses, conferences and here too, you usually meet the same doctors. We can always learn from each other, and the contact is very accessible.”

“Ultimately, we all have the same goal: to improve the care for our athletes. Afterwards, we all publish our findings, and there is always a lot of useful knowledge there, which benefits all our athletes and even the patients. But that is for after the Games. The coming days are mainly about the good care and winning those medals. (laughs)”

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