Para swimmer Genesis Leal working overtime saving lives in Venezuela
"There are many people who have no knowledge whatsoever spreading
messages about the coronavirus. As doctors, we know what we're dealing
with, so we ask them to listen to us"

Venezuelan Para swimmer Genesis Leal was all set to make her Paralympic
Games debut in Tokyo this year. But that has to wait now!

While the COVID-19 pandemic has postponed the Games, Leal is spending
her time tirelessly attending to affected patients at San Jose Secure
Hospital in her native Aragua.

In the front-line against the pandemic

In early February, Leal, a doctor by profession, began working in the Traumatology and Orthopeadics department. On March 16, Venezuela decreed
a lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

From that moment on, working days have taken an unusual amount of
energy and there is a tremendous amount of pressure to cope with due to
an influx of COVID-19 patients, revealed Leal.

“We faced this because we took an oath to do so. We have to do our best
and give our heart no matter what situation we’re in, to help patients,” she said. "The first few days we were so scared, we didn't know what to
do. We couldn't sleep even during our hours of rest.

"One day, five patients came in with fever and COVID-19 symptoms; and
you just have to be there and recognise your role as a doctor to face
this context," said the 27-year-old, who in 2015 participated in the
'Road to Rio 2016' initiative, implemented by the Agitos Foundation.

Although she works in the area of traumatology, her cooperation with
general emergencies has increased.

“I have to cooperate with my colleagues if at that time we do not have patients in a certain area.”

Despite the difficult situation, Leal recognises that “it is very
gratifying to make a contribution to help patients.”

She understands that her status as an athlete gives her an edge at her job.

“Sport gave me discipline, concentration and self belief. Medicine is
quite difficult, it is one of the most difficult careers.

“Swimming and open water are sports that need a lot of dedication and perseverance, and going through that helped me get that extra effort to
put in to moments like this one.”

https://www.paralympic.org/news/para-swimmer-genesis-leal-working-overtime-saving-lives-venezuela

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/jat
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