The tragic death of 15-year-old Sebas Illiev after soccer training in Zaratán has sparked debate and raised important questions about the medical examinations and preventive measures for young athletes. Raquel Blasco, an expert in Sports Medicine, has emphasized the necessity of investing in quality medical examinations to prevent such tragic events.
Sebas’s mother, Kerana Ivanova, has called for more exhaustive medical check-ups for young athletes, stressing the importance of investing in comprehensive examinations beyond the mere administrative act of signing a federation form.
Blasco has outlined three essential actions that should be part of a complete medical examination for any athlete, including a complete physical examination focused on the cardiorespiratory zone, a comprehensive interview about personal and family history, and a twelve-lead electrocardiogram.
She has also highlighted the lack of homogeneity in sports recognition, calling for a more rigorous approach to medical examinations for young athletes. Blasco emphasizes the need for thorough assessments and continued tests if there is any suspicion of potential pathology.
The tragic case of Sebas Illiev has shed light on the importance of secondary prevention and the presence of defibrillators in sports facilities. Blasco emphasizes the need for defibrillators, as sudden deaths in athletes can often be prevented with the use of these devices.
Blasco recommends that all sports facilities and teams have a mandatory defibrillator, emphasizing the relatively low cost of these devices and the critical importance of training individuals to use them effectively. She concludes by emphasizing that 80% of sudden deaths in athletes can be prevented with a correct medical examination, sending a message of both tranquility and responsibility.