A UNIVERSITY of Worcester academic will be jetting off to Paris this summer to ensure all Olympic basketball referees are in Gold medal-worthy shape ahead of the Games.
This summer’s Olympics will be the second time Dr Alejandro Vaquera has been selected for the role of FIBA Global Referees Fitness Co-Ordinator for the men’s and women’s basketball events.
Dr Vaquera will be helping match officials with their injury prevention, strength and cardio training, and nutritional support.
He will also be part of the team observing the games and will be holding workout routines with the referees when they’re off duty.
Dr Vaquera is also a Professor of Sport at the University of Leon in Spain.
He has been involved with the University of Worcester and the Worcester Wolves team for over a decade in his role as a Visiting Fellow in Basketball.
Dr Vaquera said: “We will begin preparations three months in advance, providing online support to the 30 referees selected for the Olympic Games.
“These referees will receive a specific training plan to ensure that they are fully prepared for the competition.”
