
Athletes' health comes first. This is the message sent by the IOC with the restructuring of its medical and scientific department. It is now called Department of Health, Medicine and Science. A new name which reflects the importance given to the Athlete protection. "The addition of the word 'health' to the name of our department marks an important and positive development, insists Jane Thornton, its director since September. The new name places emphasis on the athletes and the vital importance of the optimal protection and promotion of health and well-being both in and through sport." Jane Thornton was rightly nominated last year "in order to launch initiatives for athlete protection and welfare and to guide the IOC and the wider sports movement on health issues"The department will work on topics such as "prevention of injuries and illnesses, fight against doping", mental health or research. In line with this new orientation, Professor Roald Bahr took up his duties as senior advisor to the department on January 1st to "position the Olympic institution as the reference in sports medicine".