"VAN" (Olympic Desk - Paris, France - 08.09.2024) :: Fourteen years after performing "miracle" surgery to save Para swimmer Simone Barlaam's leg, Paris-based orthopaedic surgeon Professor Philippe Wicart was in the crowd at Paris La Defense Arena on Friday to watch his former patient claim his third Paralympic title at Paris 2024.
"I am telling all my patients about him," Wicart, who still works at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, said.
Barlaam, who was born with a congenital condition which resulted in an under-developed right leg, was just 10 years old when he travelled to Paris with his family.
"We were hoping to fix some mistakes they made in hospitals in Italy," Barlaam said.
After initial hip surgery, Wicart then recommended shortening Barlaam’s left leg to increase his limb functionality, and the Italian's family agreed.
"You can see the results," Wicart said of the 18-time world champion.
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