BENGT SALTIN RECEIVES IOC OLYMPIC PRIZE ON SPORTS SCIENCES From left: IOC President Jacques Rogge presents Dr. Bengt Saltin of Sweden with the IOC Olympic Prize on Sport Sciences Endowed by Pfizer in a special ceremony at Athletes Village as part of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah. (PRNewsFoto) [JL HH] SALT LAKE CITY, UT USA

  Professor Bengt Saltin M.D., Receives IOC Olympic Prize on Sport Sciences

    SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Olympic Committee
(IOC) Medical Commission and Pfizer today presented Professor Bengt Saltin,
M.D., with the 2002 IOC Olympic Prize on Sport Sciences, the highest honor in
the field of movement, exercise and sport sciences, at a ceremony in Salt Lake
City's Athletes Village.  IOC President Jacques Rogge made the presentation.
       (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020207/ATTH008 )
    The IOC Olympic Prize, which is endowed by Pfizer, carries a $500,000
award and is accompanied by an Olympic Medal presented as part of the Olympic
Games.  The IOC Medical Commission noted Dr. Saltin's path-breaking research
into the role activity plays in recuperation after illness or injury along
with his exceptional findings in the field of exercise physiology as reasons
for his receiving the honor in Salt Lake City.
    "Dr. Saltin's work epitomizes what this award is all about -- helping
people live active lives," said Prince Alexandre de Merode, Chairman, IOC
Medical Commission.
    "The IOC Olympic Prize is a catalyst for scientific discoveries that will
benefit athletes and recreational enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.
Together, the IOC and Pfizer are committed to improving research and sharing
scientific knowledge in this field."
    The impact of Dr. Saltin's research can be felt throughout society -- in
the medical field and in the everyday lives of people, from the promotion of
basic physical health to the enhancement of elite performance.  Through
research studying the effects that inactivity has on the body, which was
commissioned in part by NASA, Saltin confirmed that exercise, not bed rest,
should be a part of recovery after experiencing illness or injury, marking a
major shift in how patients are now treated during the recovery process.
    "Years ago, it was thought that rest and relaxation were the best ways to
recuperate from an injury or illness, but my research proved that, in fact,
it's the opposite," said Saltin.  "People should work with their doctor to
create an active recuperation plan following any illness or injury,
cardiovascular or athletic."
    Dr. Saltin's findings also contributed to the concept that regular
exercise is important for health and well-being.  In addition, his study of
elite athletes while exercising and training has led to a better understanding
of the regulation of oxygen flow to the muscles (as well as availability of
nutrients) in exercise and overall health.  He has used these findings to
study other areas such as anemia and the overall positive effects of exercise,
focusing on the use of exercise to maintain and regain health.
    According to Saltin, the most important factors for living a healthy and
active life include:

    1)  Three to four hours of moderate exercise a week, which decreases the
        risk of developing vascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and premature
        death;
    2)  Incorporation of more physical activity into daily lives, especially
        people with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, type 2
        diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis;
    3)  Working with physicians to engage in some exercise and minimizing bed
        rest whenever possible If hospitalised or recovering from illness.

    "Pfizer is committed to sharing research and inspiring healthy living,"
said Randall Kaye, M.D., Senior Director of Olympic Affairs for Pfizer.  "By
supporting scientific advances, we underscore the importance of exercise and
physical activity in cardiovascular and other disease treatment.  This
research is crucial to improving human movement, providing preventive care,
and better managing disease states for people who seek healthy lifestyles."
    In addition to the $500,000 and an Olympic Medal, Saltin received a
diploma of excellence for his contributions to science.  The Olympic Winter
Games in Salt Lake City mark the fourth time the coveted IOC Olympic Prize has
been awarded.
    The IOC Medical Commission and Pfizer believe the IOC Olympic Prize
heightens the recognition for research of movement and mobility, and thus
attracts brilliant scientific minds to study and further human health through
exercise and human performance.
    To ensure that the IOC Olympic Prize reflects scientific work of the
highest degree, a Selection Committee composed of worldwide renowned
scientists and thought leaders evaluates peer nominations of candidates from
multiple fields of science.  Rigorous criteria guide the selection of a
scientist whose contributions to movement, exercise and sport sciences have a
significant impact on science and/or society.
    Although the IOC Olympic Prize on Sports Sciences is the main focus of the
Pfizer/IOC Medical Commission partnership, Pfizer also endows three other
major IOC Medical Commission initiatives including: IOC Olympic World Congress
on Sport Sciences, IOC Olympic Academy on Sports Sciences and Pfizer/IOC
Olympic Research on Sport Sciences.
    Pfizer Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures and markets leading
prescription medicines, for humans and animals, and many of the world's best-
known consumer products.  Pfizer had global revenues of $32.2 billion in 2001.
Pfizer plans to make a research and development investment of $5.3 billion in
2002.

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