Team Great Britain’s doctors saved a life in a moment of triumph

Team Great Britain's doctors saved a life in a moment of triumph

As a seasoned gamer who has witnessed countless virtual battles and triumphs, I can attest that the Olympic Games are a unique spectacle where real-life heroes emerge. The story of Hasanboy Dusmatov and his coach Tulkin Kilichev is one such tale that transcends the boundaries of sport.

In the Paris 2024 Olympics, the Uzbekistan national team has achieved numerous victories, especially in boxing events. Out of the eight gold medals they have won so far, five have been secured by boxers. During one of these gold-winning matches, another memorable Olympic moment occurred, and it’s lucky that two medical personnel from Team Great Britain were present to respond.

Cries for help amid the celebration

Hasanboy Dusmatov, a talented flyweight boxer, first captured attention when he outmatched Colombian boxer Yuberjen Martinez and clinched the gold medal for the light flyweight class in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. His comeback to the Olympics in Paris resulted in another gold win in the 51 kg division, against France’s Billal Bennama, on August 8 at Stade Roland Garros.

After heading back to the rest zone, the 31-year-old athlete showed immense enthusiasm, mirrored by his supporters and trainers. It was during this lively moment that Tulkin Kilichev, his coach, experienced a heart attack, as reported by the Press Association News Agency. The situation soon became apparent that something was wrong.

The (Uzbek) coaching team came back into the warm-up area and they were all celebrating, and then shouting came from that area that wasn’t celebrations at all.
Robbie Lillis

According to physiotherapist Robbie Lillis, one of the two medical professionals from Team Great Britain who quickly took action, the initial responder was Dr. Harj Singh. The scene left many coaches noticeably upset, as Lillis added.

Life-saving treatment at the Stade

The team physician initiated CPR on a patient, meanwhile Lillis retrieved and prepared the defibrillator from the trauma kit. The device suggested a shock, which was given, and following approximately 20-30 seconds more of CPR, Kilichev regained awareness. Lillis remarked, “I don’t usually perform this task, and I hope it won’t become a regular occurrence, but luckily, my training allowed me to handle the situation.” Lillis’ mother praised his swift response as “your moment of glory, reminiscent of the Olympics,” and he agreed that “this is an experience I’m unlikely to forget anytime soon.”

As a gamer, I can’t help but compare real-life situations to my virtual adventures. So, when I heard about Dr. Singh’s plan to visit Kilichev in the hospital, I thought, “Just like when I finally meet that long-awaited NPC character in a game, it puts things into perspective.” Eventually, I too will make the journey to the hospital. If the timing works out and arrangements can be made, I believe that encounter could stir some deep emotions for both of us.

Among the fundamental values of France lies “fraternité,” or brotherhood, and it’s heartening to see how Team GB’s team members embodied this during their response to the recent crisis.

2024-08-11 12:32