World Athletics has teamed up with Siemens Healthineers to provide point-of-care testing and diagnostic imaging at major athletics events. The collaboration aims to improve athlete safety during endurance competitions by enabling faster medical responses on-site. This initiative sets new standards in endurance medicine.
World Athletics and Siemens Healthineers have formed a partnership to equip medical teams at major athletics events with advanced tools for point-of-care testing (POCT) and diagnostic imaging. The effort focuses on endurance events such as marathons, race walking, trail and mountain running, where unique health risks like dehydration and heat-related illnesses demand immediate care in challenging environments.
The partnership deploys the epoc Blood Analysis System for blood testing and the Acuson Sequoia ultrasound system for imaging. These tools help avoid delays from hospital transfers, allowing quicker diagnoses and treatments. "The benefit of point-of-care testing is being able to care for people in need wherever they are, as soon as possible, to make the biggest impact," said Bob Stowers, Head of Point of Care Diagnostics at Siemens Healthineers.
In 2025, Siemens Healthineers supported events including the World Athletics Indoor Championships Nanjing 25, where the Acuson Sequoia system aided in managing musculoskeletal injuries among over 1,200 athletes from about 130 countries. Such injuries, common in sprints, hurdles, and jumps, benefit from rapid ultrasound assessments that reduce waiting times and provide discreet care.
Additionally, during the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, the epoc system was used in a research project on heat adaptation and hydration, analyzing markers like electrolytes, lactate, pH, and creatinine. The study, conducted with Waseda University's Faculty of Sport Sciences, aims to address dehydration and heat emergencies. "Having point-of-care devices on site is a game changer to provide better care and treatment during endurance events," said Dr. Stéphane Bermon, director of the Health and Science Department at World Athletics.
"We look forward to publishing our findings to improve athletes’ knowledge and contribute to the next iteration of care," added Dr. Yuri Hosokawa from Waseda University. World Athletics plans to standardize these practices across its events to enhance global medical support.
