For over a decade, Dr. Lars Engebretsen has stood as a transformative force in sports medicine, reshaping how the world protects athletes through his dual leadership roles as Chair of the IOC Medical Commission and Professor at Oslo University. His pioneering work has established new global standards for injury prevention and athlete welfare.
The foundation of Dr. Engebretsen's legacy lies in his revolutionary IOC Injury Surveillance System, implemented across five Olympic Games (2012-2022). This sophisticated monitoring network achieved a remarkable 27% reduction in competition injuries through real-time data analytics and adaptive safety protocols. Its effectiveness in protecting athletes from Beijing's freezing temperatures to Tokyo's extreme heat demonstrated the power of evidence-based interventions.
Among his most impactful contributions is the "11+" injury prevention program, now mandated by FIFA, NBA and UEFA. This simple 15-minute warm-up routine, focusing on neuromuscular control, has reduced ACL injuries in soccer by an unprecedented 50%. Its global adoption across 50+ countries makes it the world's most successful sports safety initiative.
As a clinician-researcher, Dr. Engebretsen transformed orthopedic medicine through two landmark achievements: the "Engebretsen Classification" system for cartilage damage that became the universal diagnostic language, and innovative biologic treatments combining microfracture with stem cell therapy. These advances have extended athletic careers while reducing long-term joint damage.
Beyond elite sports, his influence reaches public health policy as architect of WHO's "Exercise is Medicine" initiative, integrating physical activity into healthcare systems worldwide. His research on sports addiction established crucial guidelines for healthy athletic participation.
Recognized with Norway's Royal Order of Merit (2016), Dr. Engebretsen's 14-year IOC leadership and editorship of the British Journal of Sports Medicine have mentored generations of specialists. His philosophy that "protecting athletes lets champions keep winning" has made health preservation fundamental to sports excellence at all levels, from school programs to Olympic competition.
