Research Square · Jul 31, 2026

“No T to Lose”: A Multidisciplinary Prevention Model During the Milano–cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

By Garolla A, Obici M, Ferraioli G et al.

Mass gatherings are conventionally framed as challenges for emergency preparedness and infectious disease surveillance, yet their potential as platforms for proactive prevention remains underused. We implemented No Time to Lose, a prospective, observational, multidisciplinary screening initiative embedded within the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. The programme offered voluntary, free assessments across eleven specialist domains, integrating health education, point-of-care testing, ultrasound-based evaluation and specialist referral pathways. A total of 520 preventive consultations were performed. Clinically relevant findings were detected across several domains, including andrological, thyroid, cardiovascular, bone, dermatological, nutritional and psychological health. The programme identified previously unrecognized conditions requiring further evaluation, including a prostatic nodule, significant carotid stenotic lesions, thyroid abnormalities, impaired bone health, suspicious skin lesions, suspected eating disorders and psychological distress. These findings highlight the diagnostic yield of an opportunistic, multidisciplinary prevention model delivered outside conventional healthcare settings. This proof-of-concept study suggests that major international sporting events can be transformed from settings focused mainly on risk management into scalable opportunities for early detection, and health literacy.

doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-10536721/v1Open accessInterventions