Brave Hearts

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Eye Care Foundation

Page 64

The Champion of Champions him to recoup during which he would not be able to take part in the discus throw event. For him the Olympics was effectively over. Would that mean that his sports career had come to an end? He quietly digested the opinion expressed by his doctor, did not lose hope and confidence. He himself never thought that he would not be able to participate in the game. His only worry was whether he would be able to put up a Discus Thrower Oerter good performance or not, a performance which would be commensurate with that of a champion. He only requested his doctors to give him the best possible treatment so as to reduce the impact of the injury.
The doctors administered him the best possible treatment, including heat and ultra-sonic treatment. He was also given enzymes to remove blood clotting. The portion of his body from the chest down to the west was tied with a light bandage. The right front portion of his body, which looked like an Egyptian mummy, was put regularly under ice and he was also given strong doses of sedatives. His friends thought that now Oerter should lie down on his bed and spend his days reminiscencing about past performances and nothing more. But Oerter was a man of different make and grit. His mental framework was as solid as steel. Whatever may be his difficulties or privations, he would not defy the call of the