THE AUSTRALIAN OLYMPIC Committee has instituted enhanced heart checks of its London-bound team after the death of Norwegian swimmer Alexander Dale Oen this week and two recent on-field collapses in European football.
Dr Peter Baquie, the Australian Olympic team’s medical director, said more than two-thirds of the expected 400-strong squad had undergone extensive cardiovascular screening, including electrocardiograms ahead of the games.
Baquie said similar family history checks and other routine exams were done ahead of the 2008 Beijing Games, but EKGs were not conducted. Australian breaststroker Christian Sprenger said “the heart is an engine, so you want it working properly.”
Last night, Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba returned to the Reebok Stadium, having suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch some weeks ago.
