OTWorld 2024: Guest Appearances by Prominent Users of Orthopaedic Medical Aids at the World's Leading Trade Show and World Congress in Leipzig
Orthopaedic treatment and care using medical aids such as prostheses, orthoses, wheelchairs, compression stockings and supports ensures millions of people remain mobile and can participate in everyday life, work and sports. Numerous prominent guests at OTWorld 2024 will explain how prosthetists and orthotists are working together with doctors, physiotherapists and manufacturers to secure and improve the quality of life for those affected. Retailers, service providers and manufacturers of modern orthopaedic treatment and care are invited to attend the largest and leading international industry gathering at OTWorld 2024 in Leipzig from 14 to 17 May.
This year's guests include: John McFall - probably the first astronaut with a physical disability, Dominik Klein - handball world champion in 2007 and orthosis wearer, Sophie Loubet - para-athlete in snowboarding and wakeboarding, Abel Aber - para-athlete in canoeing, Sebastian Dietz - para-athlete in discus throwing and shot put, Heinrich Popow - ambassador of para-sport, Markus Rehm - long jump para-athlete, Arne Uplegger - defender for the Dresdner Eislöwen and orthosis wearer, Björn Eser - blogger "The Active Amputee", Jana Crämer and Caroline Sprott - influencers with lipoedema and lymphoedema and Simon Liedtke - infielder and pitcher for the Heidenheim Heideköpfe and orthosis wearer.
Read the complete overview of the performances:
Guests at OTWorld from 14 to 17 May 2024:
Monday, 13 May 2024,
12:00 am–1:00 pm
Press Photo Session, Glass Hall
Floating in Space Wearing a Prosthesis: John McFall's Journey to Becoming the First Astronaut With a Physical Disability
After a motorbike accident at the age of 19, John McFall's right leg was amputated above the knee. Since then, the British athlete has impressively demonstrated what can be achieved with modern orthopaedic treatment and care. He is regarded as one of the fastest men in the world over 100 and 200 metres in the transfemoral amputee class. He is also a specialist physician for traumatology and orthopaedics. What is more, he has been accepted as a project astronaut at the European Space Agency (ESA) and could perhaps be the first person with a physical disability to fly into space. John McFall wears the latest leg prosthesis from Ottobock, which the health-tech company is presenting for the first time at the start of OTWorld.
Further information
Find out more about John McFall and his mission here in the video and on the ESA website here .
Tuesday, 14 May 2024
11:00–11:20 am
Bauerfeind, Hall 5, Stand D06/E05
Dominik Klein Talks About His Orthotic Treatment and Care: "Come Back Stronger"
In 2015, Dominik Klein tore his cruciate ligament while playing handball for THW Kiel and was out of action for months. In this interview, the 40-year-old former THW Kiel and HBC Nantes handball player explains how he returned to the game stronger than ever. During his career, he played 187 international matches, scoring 370 goals in the process. He became world champion in 2007 and won the DHB Cup six times with THW Kiel as well as winning eight German championships and three Champions League victories. Towards the end of his career in 2018, he reached the Champions League final with HBC Nantes. Dominik Klein has continued to be involved in his beloved sport as a TV pundit since 2017. He wears an orthosis from Bauerfeind.
Further information
11:30 am–12:30 pm
Press tour, Hall 3, BIV Café, D10/E11
Sophie Loubet: Wakeboarding and Snowboarding With a Prosthetic Leg
An osteosarcoma fundamentally changed Sophie Loubet's (37) life. In 2019, a malignant bone tumour meant the French athlete's right leg had to be amputated. Back then, she would never have imagined that today she would be mastering new sporting challenges and showing off her Proteor prosthesis with a smile in almost every picture on her social media channels. Modern orthopaedic devices changed everything for her. They now give the successful para-athlete the support she needs as she strives to achieve a place at the Paralympics.
Further information
12:30–13:30 pm
Ottobock, Hall 5, D30/E31
Floating in Space Wearing a Prosthesis: John McFall's Journey to Becoming the First Astronaut With a Physical Disability
After a motorbike accident at the age of 19, John McFall's right leg was amputated above the knee. Since then, the British athlete has impressively demonstrated what can be achieved with modern orthopaedic treatment and care. He is regarded as one of the fastest men in the world over 100 and 200 metres in the transfemoral amputee class. He is also a specialist physician for traumatology and orthopaedics. What is more, he has been accepted as a project astronaut at the European Space Agency (ESA) and could perhaps be the first person with a physical disability to fly into space. John McFall wears the latest leg prosthesis from Ottobock, which the health-tech company is presenting for the first time at the start of OTWorld.
Further information
Find out more about John McFall and his mission here in the video and on the ESA website .
12:45 pm–1:15 pm,
Hall 5, Café de Paris, D31/C30
In the Starting Blocks: A Networking Session and Farewell Event for Olympic and Paralympic Athletes and Technicians on Their Way to Paris Featuring
Abel Aber, a Canoeist on Course for the 2024 Paralympic Games
After a scooter accident in 2003, Abel Aber learnt to accept his prosthesis by training as a boxer. But he didn't stop at boxing. Equipped with a thigh prosthesis from Proteor, the 38-year-old is now one of France's most successful para-athletes in canoeing. His big goal is to win a gold medal at the Paralympics.
Further information
Sebastian Dietz: From Paralysis to International Professional Sport
After a serious road accident in 2004, Sebastian Dietz fought his way back to sporting life. The then 19-year-old was not willing to accept that he would never be able to walk again due to the severe injuries along his spine. Thanks to dedicated doctors, physiotherapists and modern orthopaedic treatment and care using a Sporlastic foot lifter orthosis as well as his own unshakeable ambition, he got back on his feet and found his way into professional sport. His orthosis allows Sebastian to build up more strength in his left leg, thus enabling him to focus fully on shot-putting. The 39-year-old's greatest successes include Paralympic gold in the discus and shot put as well as European and World Championship titles in both disciplines. Sebastian Dietz is a member of the Paralympic squad of Team Germany Paralympics.
Further information
Sophie Loubet: Wakeboarding and Snowboarding With a Prosthetic Leg
An osteosarcoma fundamentally changed Sophie Loubet's (37) life. In 2019, a malignant bone tumour meant the French athlete's right leg had to be amputated. Back then, she would never have imagined that today she would be mastering new sporting challenges and showing off her prosthesis with a smile in almost every picture on her social media channels. Modern orthopaedic devices changed everything for her. They now give the successful para-athlete the support she needs as she strives to achieve a place at the Paralympics.
Further information
Heinrich Popow Moderates the Meeting of Paralympic Athletes and Technicians
Ambassador for Para Sports
Heinrich Popow is a Paralympic gold medallist in athletics and has been to OTWorld many times as an Ottobock Ambassador. This year, he is moderating the networking session "In the Starting Blocks: Paralympic Athletes and Technicians on the Road to Paris" and the workshop "Paralympics – Our Experiences and a Benefit for Everyday Treatments". As a former para-athlete and trained prosthetist and orthotist, Heinrich Popow tells of his experiences. His work involves motivating children and adults with amputations to take up sports again, supporting para sprinters and long jumpers as a mentor and appearing as a sports presenter on TV.
Further information
1:15–2:15 pm
CCO, Room 2
Paralympics – Our Experiences and a Benefit for Everyday Treatments, a workshop with:
Sebastian Dietz is a participant in the workshop „Paralympics – Our Experience and a Benefit for Everyday Treatments"
From Paralysis to International Professional Sport
After a serious road accident in 2004, Sebastian Dietz fought his way back to sporting life. The then 19-year-old was not willing to accept that he would never be able to walk again due to the severe injuries along his spine. Thanks to dedicated doctors, physiotherapists and modern orthopaedic treatment and care using a Sporlastic foot lifter orthosis as well as his own unshakeable ambition, he got back on his feet and found his way into professional sport. His orthosis allows Sebastian to build up more strength in his left leg, thus enabling him to focus fully on shot-putting. The 39-year-old's greatest successes include Paralympic gold in the discus and shot put as well as European and World Championship titles in both disciplines. Sebastian Dietz is a member of the Paralympic squad of Team Germany Paralympics.
Further information
Heinrich Popow Moderates the Workshop „Paralympics – Our Experiences and a Benefit for Everyday Treatments"
Ambassador for Para Sports
Heinrich Popow is a Paralympic gold medallist in athletics and has been to OTWorld many times as an Ottobock Ambassador. This year, he is moderating the networking session "In the Starting Blocks: Paralympic Athletes and Technicians on the Road to Paris" and the workshop "Paralympics – Our Experiences and a Benefit for Everyday Treatments". As a former para-athlete and trained prosthetist and orthotist, Heinrich Popow tells of his experiences. His work involves motivating children and adults with amputations to take up sports again, supporting para sprinters and long jumpers as a mentor and appearing as a sports presenter on TV.
Further information
Markus Rehm is a participant in the workshop „Paralympics - Our Experiences and a Benefit for Everyday Treatments"
I refuse to be held back!
I refuse to be held back! – This is the motto Paralympic athlete and master orthopaedic technician Markus Rehm (35) lives by. In 2003, his right leg was amputated below the knee after a wakeboarding accident. As a long jumper, he has been one of Germany's most successful athletes for years. At the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), he won gold medals in the long jump and as a member of the 4x100 metre relay team. He also holds the current world record for the long jump at 8.72 metres. Markus Rehm holds a place in the Paralympic squad of Team Germany Paralympics. Markus Rehm will also be at the Össur stand on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Further information
3:30–3:50 pm
Bauerfeind, Hall 5, Stand D06/E05
Arne Uplegger in Conversation: Return to Sports – The Ice Lion With an Orthosis
The year 2024 got off to a turbulent start for Arne Uplegger, a defenceman for the Dresden Eislöwen ice hockey team. The 26-year-old suffered a cruciate ligament rupture during an away game. As the longest-serving ice hockey player in the Dresden team, his main goal is to return to his sport. At OTWorld, he talks about how a semi-flexible hard frame orthosis from Bauerfeind is helping him to stabilise his knee joint.
Further information
4:45–6:00 pm
CCO, Room 1
John McFall speaks at the opening of OTWorld
Floating in Space Wearing a Prosthesis: John McFall's Journey to Becoming the First Astronaut With a Physical Disability
After a motorbike accident at the age of 19, John McFall's right leg was amputated above the knee. Since then, the British athlete has impressively demonstrated what can be achieved with modern orthopaedic treatment and care. He is regarded as one of the fastest men in the world over 100 and 200 metres in the transfemoral amputee class. He is also a specialist physician for traumatology and orthopaedics. What is more, he has been accepted as a project astronaut at the European Space Agency (ESA) and could perhaps be the first person with a physical disability to fly into space. John McFall wears the latest leg prosthesis from Ottobock, which the health-tech company is presenting for the first time at the start of OTWorld.
Further information
Find out more about John McFall and his mission here in the video and on the ESA website .
Wednesday, 15 May 2024
9:00 am–6:00 pm
PROTEOR, Hall 1, B20/C21
Abel Aber: a Canoeist on Course for the 2024 Paralympic Games
After a scooter accident in 2003, Abel Aber learnt to accept his prosthesis by training as a boxer. But he didn't stop at boxing. Equipped with a thigh prosthesis from Proteor, the 38-year-old is now one of France's most successful para-athletes in canoeing. His big goal is to win a gold medal at the Paralympics.
Further information
Sophie Loubet: Wakeboarding and Snowboarding With a Prosthetic Leg
An osteosarcoma fundamentally changed Sophie Loubet's (37) life. In 2019, a malignant bone tumour meant the French athlete's right leg had to be amputated. Back then, she would never have imagined that today she would be mastering new sporting challenges and showing off her Proteor prosthesis with a smile in almost every picture on her social media channels. Modern orthopaedic devices changed everything for her. They now give the successful para-athlete the support she needs as she strives to achieve a place at the Paralympics.
Further information
9:00 am–6:00 pm
Ottobock, Hall 5, D30/E31
‘Active Amputee’ Björn Inspires and Motivates Prosthesis Wearers Worldwide
Björn (52) has been passionate about sport and nature from an early age. Shortly before his 16th birthday, he was diagnosed with bone cancer and received an artificial knee joint (endoprosthesis) as a result. 17 years later, he developed an infection in his endoprosthesis while he was in East Africa. In the end, Björn decided to have his left leg amputated. After just three months, the ‘Active Amputee’ was back walking in the mountains thanks to Ottobock's microprocessor-controlled knee joint. With his blog "The Active Amputee", in his podcast and on social media, he provides inspiration and shows that a prosthesis does not necessarily lead to limitations in life.
To the blog: The Active Amputee – theactiveamputee
3:00–3:30 pm and 5:00–5:30 pm,
medi, Hall 1, D20/E21
Guest Appearance for medi by Influencers Jana Crämer and Caroline Sprott
Jana Crämer and Caroline Sprott: Encourage and Inspire
Influencers involved in testimonials for the current mediven campaign will talk openly about their medical history and living with medical compression. They aim to encourage and inspire other sufferers to be self-confident as well as hoping to raise public awareness and educate people about lipoedema and lymphoedema. Jana Crämer was diagnosed with combined lipoedema and lymphoedema, Caroline Sprott has lipoedema in both her arms and legs.
Further information
Thursday, 16 May 2024
9:00 am–6:00 pm
PROTEOR, Hall 1, B20/C21
Abel Aber, a Canoeist on Course for the 2024 Paralympic Games
After a scooter accident in 2003, Abel Aber learnt to accept his prosthesis by training as a boxer. But he didn't stop at boxing. Equipped with a thigh prosthesis from Proteor, the 38-year-old is now one of France's most successful para-athletes in canoeing. His big goal is to win a gold medal at the Paralympics.
Further information
Sophie Loubet: Wakeboarding and Snowboarding With a Prosthetic Leg
An osteosarcoma fundamentally changed Sophie Loubet's (37) life. In 2019, a malignant bone tumour meant the French athlete's right leg had to be amputated. Back then, she would never have imagined that today she would be mastering new sporting challenges and showing off her Proteor prosthesis with a smile in almost every picture on her social media channels. Modern orthopaedic devices changed everything for her. They now give the successful para-athlete the support she needs as she strives to achieve a place at the Paralympics.
Further information
9:00 am–6:00 pm
Ottobock, Hall 5, D30/E31
‘Active Amputee’ Björn Inspires and Motivates Prosthesis Wearers Worldwide
Björn (52) has been passionate about sport and nature from an early age. Shortly before his 16th birthday, he was diagnosed with bone cancer and received an artificial knee joint (endoprosthesis) as a result. 17 years later, he developed an infection in his endoprosthesis while he was in East Africa. In the end, Björn decided to have his left leg amputated. After just three months, the ‘Active Amputee’ was back walking in the mountains thanks to Ottobock's microprocessor-controlled knee joint. With his blog "The Active Amputee", in his podcast and on social media, he provides inspiration and shows that a prosthesis does not necessarily lead to limitations in life.
To the blog: The Active Amputee – theactiveamputee
10:30–10:45 a.m,
Bauerfeind, Hall 5, Stand D06/E05
Simon Liedtke in Conversation: Playing the "Perfect Game" Thanks to an Orthosis
Simon Liedtke discovered his love of baseball at the age of nine and now plays as an infielder and pitcher for the Heidenheim Heideköpfen in the 1st division of the German national baseball league. In the summer of 2023, the young player from Stuttgart suffered his first serious injury. During a match, he overstretched his leg and tore the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee joint. The doctors initially predicted that he would be out of action for the full season – but then everything turned out differently. At OTWorld, Simon Liedtke talks about how he quickly got back into the game thanks to an orthosis from Bauerfeind.
Further information
11:00 am–11:30 am
medi, Hall 1, D20/E21
Guest Appearance for medi by Influencers Jana Crämer and Caroline Sprott
Jana Crämer and Caroline Sprott: Encourage and Inspire
Influencers involved in testimonials for the current mediven campaign will talk openly about their medical history and their life with medical compression. Their aim is to encourage and inspire other sufferers to stand up for themselves - but also to raise public awareness and educate people about lipoedema and lymphoedema. Jana Crämer was diagnosed with combined lipoedema and lymphoedema, Caroline Sprott has lipoedema in both her arms and legs.
Further information
Friday, 17 May 2024
9:00 am–4:00 pm
PROTEOR, Hall 1, B20/C21
Abel Aber, a Canoeist on Course for the 2024 Paralympic Games
After a scooter accident in 2003, Abel Aber learnt to accept his prosthesis by training as a boxer. But he didn't stop at boxing. Equipped with a thigh prosthesis from Proteor, the 38-year-old is now one of France's most successful para-athletes in canoeing. His big goal is to win a gold medal at the Paralympics.
Further information
Sophie Loubet: Wakeboarding and Snowboarding With a Prosthetic Leg
An osteosarcoma fundamentally changed Sophie Loubet's (37) life. In 2019, a malignant bone tumour meant the French athlete's right leg had to be amputated. Back then, she would never have imagined that today she would be mastering new sporting challenges and showing off her Proteor prosthesis with a smile in almost every picture on her social media channels. Modern orthopaedic devices changed everything for her. They now give the successful para-athlete the support she needs as she strives to achieve a place at the Paralympics.
Further information
9:00 am–4:00 pm
Ottobock, Hall 5, D30/E31
‘Active Amputee’ Björn Inspires and Motivates Prosthesis Wearers Worldwide
Björn (52) has been passionate about sport and nature from an early age. Shortly before his 16th birthday, he was diagnosed with bone cancer and received an artificial knee joint (endoprosthesis) as a result. 17 years later, he developed an infection in his endoprosthesis while he was in East Africa. In the end, Björn decided to have his left leg amputated. After just three months, the ‘Active Amputee’ was back walking in the mountains thanks to Ottobock's microprocessor-controlled knee joint. With his blog "The Active Amputee", in his podcast and on social media, he provides inspiration and shows that a prosthesis does not necessarily lead to limitations in life.
To the blog: The Active Amputee – theactiveamputee