A working meeting was held at the Institute of Medicine, RUDN University with Professor Johannes Hendrik de Ridder (South Africa) — President of BRICSCESS, Director of the School of Human Movement Sciences at North-West University (Potchefstroom). The main topic of the negotiations was the organization of the annual BRICSCESS conference, which will be held for the first time at RUDN University this October.
Representing the Institute of Medicine, RUDN University at the meeting were Professor Alexey Abramov, Director of the Institute of Medicine, and Kirill Ustilentsev, Deputy Director for International Activities. The participants discussed key organizational aspects of the upcoming event: the program, logistics, participation of international experts, and the format of the scientific sessions.
The BRICSCESS conference (the BRICS Council for Exercise and Sport Science) is one of the most significant events in the world of sports science. Hosting the forum at RUDN University highlights the institution’s growing role as an international platform for dialogue on sports medicine, physical education, and human health.
Open Lecture for Students: «Modern Athletes: Faster, Stronger… But at What Price?»
During his visit, Professor Johannes Hendrik de Ridder delivered a lecture to students of the Institute of Medicine, RUDN University .
The lecture was titled «Modern Athletes: Faster, Stronger… But at What Price?»
Drawing on years of anthropometric research, Prof. Dr J. Hans de Ridder clearly demonstrated a concerning trend: in sports such as rugby, basketball, volleyball, swimming, and cricket, the height and body mass of elite athletes are growing significantly faster than in the general population. Economic, political, and social pressures to achieve results are leading coaches to increasingly favor «giant athletes» — even in positions where agility, reaction speed, and skill were traditionally valued.
The key question the lecturer posed to the audience was: what is the price of this race for size and power?
The answer, grounded in scientific data, is sobering: the combination of increased body mass, acceleration, and explosive power multiplies the risk of injuries to the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems, while also creating serious long-term health threats for athletes after their professional careers have ended.
The staff of the RUDN Medical Institute thank Professor de Ridder for a productive dialogue and an insightful lecture, and they look forward to welcoming all participants to the BRICSCESS conference in October.
