Two Athletes, One Heartbeat: The Unlikely Friendship of Erik and Elmar

In the world of sports, rivals often become friends, but Erik Van Rompaye and Elmar Sprink took it a step further. They met at the World Transplant Games in Perth, Australia, in 2023. Both had received life-saving organ transplants and were already accomplished athletes before their surgeries. Van Rompaye, a 54-year-old Belgian, had a liver transplant in 2021, while Sprink, a 53-year-old German, received a new heart in 2012. At the Games, they competed against each other in the 5K road race and sprint triathlon. Van Rompaye won gold in both events, with Sprink taking silver and bronze. On the podium, they discovered a shared history: both had competed in the grueling IRONMAN World Championship in Hawaii. This common ground sparked a friendship that has since grown stronger. Since Perth, they have kept in touch, sharing tips on training, injuries, and aging. This week, they will face each other again at the 2025 World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany. Both athletes have new challenges to overcome. Van Rompaye is dealing with nerve damage from his surgery, which has slowed his running, while Sprink recently suffered a back injury that sidelined him from a half marathon. The World Transplant Games are not just about competition; they are about raising awareness for organ donation and encouraging recipients to stay fit. Around 2, 200 participants, including organ donors and donor families, aged 4 to 89 from 51 countries, will compete in various events ranging from track and field to badminton, swimming, and even pétanque. Both athletes have ambitious goals. Sprink aims to qualify for another IRONMAN World Championship, while Van Rompaye is training for the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc, one of the world's most prestigious trail races. They see sports as a way to build purpose and good health, reducing the side effects of their medication. The Games are built on research showing that exercise improves transplant recipients' physical and mental health. However, strenuous training combined with immunosuppression can raise infection and cardiovascular problems. Experts stress the importance of moderation in exercise for transplant athletes. For Van Rompaye and Sprink, the Games are more than just a competition. Their friendship has deepened their respect for each other and has shown that rivalry can build connection. As they prepare to race again in Dresden, the medals matter, but their friendship may matter more.