The days of providing medical services for the Winter Olympics and Paralympics are intense but fulfilling. We were busy every day with reading new materials and absorbing a wealth of information, attending one meeting after another, and acquiring new skills. We drank lots of coffee and stayed up all night; we were touched by kind words on WeChat Moments and warm gestures of care from the hospital; we might argue with others over something and then soon shook up hands and made up; the things we experienced were beyond counting; to put it simply, with the support of the PUMCH big family, we all marched towards one goal without any distraction or reservation.

And that goal is the success of the Olympic Games.

Medical care is an essential part of big sports events, particularly so against the current background of the pandemic. Since the day in October 2021 when we were seconded to the Olympic Organizing Committee, Shi Di, Lin Chen, and I have been working together for the Winter Olympics for over 150 days. The medical team and the 120 (ambulance) team of PUMCH together make a potent combination that can do everything. During the 55 days and nights that we spent in the closed loop, we received more than 400 patients, referred more than 50 of them, transferred 9 to emergency care, and organized 7 on-site emergency rescues. Our efforts were rewarded with nearly 50 letters of thanks, 3 banners of gratitude, profuse praises from the IOC and the National Health Commission, and sincere words of gratitude from the international patients. Behind such feats, there are the contribution and advice of Shi Di outside the closed loop, the generous support of PUMCH, our home front, and the hard work of the medical service team members toiling in isolation suits. It was not easy, but behind our masks are smiles of relief.

“Make no mistake and win the battle” is the expectation for us expressed by PUMCH leaders before we entered the closed loop, and now can we say with pride: “The PUMCH medical team has made it!”

In essence, the Olympic Games is an extensive “showcase,” which, within a specific period of time, puts on full display not only spectacular competition events one after another that embody the Olympic spirit of “Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together,” but also the beautiful virtues of selflessness and dedication. In particular, this grand event for all humanity against the backdrop of the pandemic speaks volumes about the power of hope and the spirit of never settling. As Coubertin, the “Father of the Olympics”, said, the ancient Greeks organized the competitions not only to engage people in physical exercises and stage a spectacle but also to educate people. Every four years, the Olympic flame is lit and extinguished in a short but beautiful “showcase” during which people are touched by more scenes of beauty and strength than they can count.

Everything, no matter how grand or beautiful it is, inevitably comes to an end. From the Winter Olympics to the Winter Paralympics, the theme song Snowflake was played twice, and the carnival eventually gave way to quiet and calm. But there are memorable moments that will always linger and become eternal.

Members of the PUMCH medical service team waved goodbye to their place of residence during the Winter Olympics and Paralympics: Chen Weijie, Lu Xingyao, Liu Anlei, Yan Li, Chen Gang, Song Danping, Bai Wei, Fan Junping and Wang Sinong from left to right

Written by Chen Gang from the Department of Nephrology

Picture courtesy of Wang Sinong

Translator: Liu Haiyan

Editor: Chen Gang and Wang Yao