Ottobock Running Clinic combines world-class technology and Paralympic experience

Reigning Paralympic and World Champion Heinrich Popow leads a three day running clinic in China to give amputees the skills to improve their freedom of movement and independence. 23 Sep 2014
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Four people with prothesis sprinting

Ottobock Ambassador Paralympic and World Champion Heinrich Popow leads the first Ottobock Running Clinic in China

ⒸOttobock
By IPC

“Teaching people to run for the first time, and seeing the joy it brings to them and their families means as much to me as competing in the Paralympic Games.”

Ottobock Healthcare, the world’s leading supplier of innovative solutions for people with limited mobility and Partner of the Paralympic Games since 1988, has successfully concluded the first of its Running Clinics to take place in China.

Supported by the He Nan Disabled Persons’ Federation, the nine participating amputees were coached by Germany’s 100m T42 Paralympic and World Champion, Heinrich Popow.

Ottobock Running Clinics are organised worldwide for novices, as well as experienced runners looking for tips on how to improve their technique and competitiveness.

They offer participants the opportunity to trial the latest technology in sports prosthesis, the Ottobock 3S80 knee and sprinter foot, under the expert tuition of Popow.

In this unique format all levels of runners work together, from taking their first steps to practicing training drills until they are running with confidence. They inspire and support each other to reach their personal goals.

“Whether it is to simply enjoy sports with their children or follow a dream to compete in the Paralympic Games, it is critical that anyone learning to run on a prosthesis has their equipment set up properly and is taught the right techniques from the start,” said Ottobock Ambassador Popow.

“Teaching people to run for the first time, and seeing the joy it brings to them and their families means as much to me as competing in the Paralympic Games.”

With over 20 years’ experience using a sports’ prosthesis, Popow has worked alongside Ottobock product developers to develop the 3S80, a sports knee joint for beginners, recreational and high performance athletes alike.

“With the rise in popularity of the Paralympic Games we are seeing a significant interest in people looking to become more active and try new sports,” said Ralph Stuch, Ottobock Regional President Asia Pacific. “For many people an active lifestyle is an important part of this and the Ottobock 3S80 running knee makes this possible for more amputees than ever before. It is ideal for using on the treadmill and a variety of outdoor environments, as well as other sports that involve running.”