Ghanaian-born and trained medical doctor, Dr. Eric Tetteh Ayertey recently completed a landmark role at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where he was selected by the International Olympic Committee and the French Local Organising Committee as one of the few International Athlete Support Delegates for the grand opening ceremony, and subsequently served as a member of the health workforce at some of the event venues.
Dr. Ayertey played a crucial part in the medical and anti-doping workforce services at the Paris South Arena and the Trocadéro Terraces, contributing significantly to the safety and well-being of athletes throughout the games. His selection by the Paris 2024 Organising Committee was not only a personal success but also a historic moment for Ghana, as he became one of the few Ghanaian medical professionals to assume such a distinguished role in the history of the Olympics.
His journey to this position is a testament to his unwavering commitment to sports science, medicine, and athlete well-being. With training in doping control from Clearidium, Denmark, and a strong advocacy for evidence-based sports science practices, Dr. Tetteh has been a passionate driving force for clean sports both locally and internationally.
Reflecting on his experience, He emphasized the power of collaboration, noting, “Collaboration Creates Magic—The Olympics Showed Me the Power of Working Together.” This insight was central to his role at the Games, where teamwork across disciplines was essential to ensuring the success and safety of athletes from around the world.
Educationally, Dr. Tetteh’s credentials are as diverse as they are impressive. A graduate of the University of Health and Allied Sciences and the University of Ghana Medical School, he is currently advancing his expertise at Loughborough University, renowned as the world’s top institution for sports programs. His selection as one of only three global recipients of the Development Trust Africa Scholarship underscores his exceptional academic and professional achievements.
Beyond academia, Dr. Tetteh has made significant contributions to sports in Ghana, particularly through his work with the Ghana Boxing Authority, where he secured international sponsorships to enhance the sport’s infrastructure. His influence extends to the international stage, where he also presented the ‘Bukom Boxing Concussion Injury’ research at prestigious events like the IOC Conference on Illness and Injury Prevention in Monaco, showcasing Ghana’s rich boxing heritage and advocating for athlete safety.
In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Tetteh’s multilingual abilities were a key asset during the games. Reflecting on this, he shared, “Language is a Superpower—Multilingualism is Key to Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges at the Olympics.” His proficiency in multiple languages, such as French, Italian, and English, combined with his deep cultural awareness, made him exceptionally well-suited for his international role.
Dr. Tetteh Ayertey recounts his participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics as not just a career milestone, but also a profound learning experience while also acknowledging the impact of mentors like Dr Pambo and many international officials in his aspiring career path.
They “Dream Big, Execute Bigger—The Olympics Taught Me That Extraordinary Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of preparation and seizing opportunities when they arise.
As he continues his career pursuits, Dr. Tetteh hopes to leave a lasting impact on the global sports community, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in the science of sports and high-performance delivery medicine. His story is one of passion, dedication, and excellence, and his role at the Paris 2024 Olympics marks a growing era of international recognition for Ghanaian professionals in sports medicine.
Story by: Clement Osei Aboagye
