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Running with Usain Bolt - An Unforgettable Invitational Stay in Dubai

Who has not always admired Usain Bolt, the fastest man on earth, and his incredible achievements on (the) track? I have been very fortunate to meet him in Dubai, and I could hardly contain my excitement. I had the opportunity to spend time with the multiple world champion and Olympic medalist, and it was a day I will never forget.

Our meeting began with a captivating conversation where we discussed his training routines, his achievements, and his personal life. He shared with me some of his most entertaining training sessions and gave me valuable tips on how to stay focused and motivated as an athlete. His stories about overcoming injuries and setbacks were particularly inspiring. I was amazed at his dedication to his sport and his determination to succeed despite the challenges he faced along the way.

After our chat, we headed to a charity run organized for handicapped children, which was an awe-inspiring experience. It was heartwarming to see how much joy Usain brought to the children's faces as we ran with them and cheered them on. It was an honor to run alongside the fastest man on earth. His genuine enthusiasm and energy were contagious, and the event highlighted his commitment to giving back to the community.

He discussed his ambitions beyond running, including his interest in business ventures and his love for music. His insights and perspectives were enlightening, and I was impressed by his humility and kindness. He also spoke about the importance of mental strength and the role it plays in achieving success.

As our day came to a close, I realized how lucky I was to have met Usain Bolt, not only as a fan, but as a fellow athlete. His incredible achievements on (the) track are a testament to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance, —he still holds several world-records which never have been broken—, and it was an honor to spend time with him and learn from him. His words of encouragement and his positive outlook left a lasting impact on me.

It was a day filled with inspiration, motivation, and the realization that anything is possible, if you put in the hard work, and (the) dedication. Everybody felt inspired to continue pursuing their dreams. Usain Bolt is not only the fastest man on earth, but he is also a kind and humble person. His ability to connect with people, his generosity, his relentless pursuit of excellence (and that one special 100m world-record race ;) ) are qualities that I will always admire.

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We are all role models for the young and elderly

(Photo: My Granddad wearing part of my triathlon race-equipment)

There’s my grandfather—94 years young—rocking my triathlon gear like he’s about to line up at Hawaii. My visor, my race sunglasses, and that unmistakable spark of someone who knows that age is just a number, and attitude is everything.

This picture isn’t about sports. It’s about spirit.

Because it doesn’t matter how elite, professional, or decorated you think you are—what truly inspires is the energy you carry, the way you show up, and the way you make others feel. True influence doesn’t come from medals or records. It comes from those quiet, meaningful moments where someone looks at you and thinks,

“If they can do it, maybe I can too.”

We often think role models must be young, strong, ambitious. But the truth is, the elderly are just as hungry for inspiration as the young. They too are watching, absorbing, and dreaming. They too deserve to feel included, energized, and reminded that it’s never too late to laugh, to move, to belong.

And when someone who's lived almost a century slips on a pair of performance sunglasses and strikes a pose like a champion, you're reminded that legacy isn't about what you achieve—it's about the joy, courage, and curiosity you pass on.

So wear your passions proudly. Dance a little. Run if you can, walk if you must, but do it with joy. Because someone is always watching. Not to judge, but to believe again.
This photo says more than I ever could: We don't age out of inspiration. We don't stop needing role models. We just forget how powerful we all really are.
Let’s remind each other.

Dominik Kozanda

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"You die if you get over 100 heartbeats per minute"

(Photo: Courtesy of the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia)

A Ride for Joy, A Moment for Life

Chronic Interstitial Lung Disease—affectionately known as chILD—is one of the rarest childhood conditions known to medicine. Fewer than 25 children across the globe are affected, most of them under the age of 10. But rarity does not soften its weight.

This is a disease that places an unimaginable burden on a child’s young, vibrant body. With dangerously low maximum heart rates and abnormally high resting ones, even a small burst of emotion, excitement, or movement can pose a life-threatening risk. These children live with constant medical supervision, supported by machines that breathe for them, watched over by caregivers who dare not blink.

Life expectancy is often no more than 10 to 12 years. But within those years exists something most of us forget to recognize: fierce courage, radiant hope, and a hunger for joy that refuses to be extinguished.

Even the simplest gestures—a ride on a triathlon bike, the wind brushing their cheeks, the feeling of movement—become extraordinary adventures. These moments may be fleeting, but to the child, and to everyone who loves them, they are priceless.

As a medical professional caring for these remarkable souls, I am moved every single day by their strength and the light in their eyes. They teach me, and all who meet them, what it truly means to live. Each smile is a small miracle, each giggle a triumph over circumstance.

There is still so much the world does not know about chILD. There are no easy answers, no well-trodden paths. But together, we can raise awareness, spark curiosity, and foster hope. The more we know, the closer we move toward better care, better understanding—and perhaps, someday, a cure.

If this story touches your heart, I invite you to reach out. Whether through support, curiosity, or simply spreading the word, your attention makes a difference.
Thank you for seeing these children—not for their limitations, but for their bravery, their spirit, and their endless capacity to inspire.

Dominik Kozanda

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Doped -right now-. Not aware of it? Perfectly possible

Photo: Courtesy of DW Science

Say —NO— to doping

Doping in Sports: The Hidden Cost of Chasing Victory

Doping in sports refers to the use of prohibited substances or methods by athletes to artificially enhance their performance. It is widely condemned as unethical and dangerous, often leading to serious health risks and career-ending consequences for those involved.

While the reasons behind doping are varied and complex, several common motivations consistently emerge:

Obsessive perfectionism
The relentless pursuit of athletic excellence
A desire to win at any cost
Striving for personal bests—not just victories—common among amateurs and recreational athletes
The urge to boost public image, whether on a global stage or within one’s personal circle
The allure of prize money and financial reward
A belief that “everyone else is doing it,” creating pressure to level the playing field

Despite the widespread awareness of these factors, doping is not always a conscious or intentional decision. In fact, some cases arise from unintentional consumption of banned substances—through products, supplements, or medications that contain undeclared ingredients. Not all components are required to be disclosed by law, and even seemingly harmless items can pose hidden risks. For example, milk may contain trace preservatives that aren’t performance-enhancing but also aren’t explicitly declared. Some over-the-counter supplements and medications can carry substances on the anti-doping list without clear labeling.

This phenomenon, known as accidental doping, can have devastating repercussions—not only for an athlete’s health but also for their reputation and career. It underscores the critical importance of education, vigilance, and transparency when it comes to nutrition, supplementation, and medication use in sport.

To better understand the risks, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), USA, provides visual resources that highlight the physical and psychological side effects of doping. These include hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular strain, liver and kidney damage, depression, and increased aggression, among others.

Ultimately, the true spirit of sport lies in fairness, integrity, and respect—for one’s body, one’s competitors, and the rules of the game. Doping is a shortcut with long shadows, and raising awareness is the first step toward protecting the athletes of today and tomorrow.

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The Power of the Pause

In a world obsessed with speed, deadlines, and constant connection, we’ve somehow forgotten how to simply be. We race through our days, scroll through moments, and chase accomplishments as if happiness were a finish line we’ll eventually cross—if only we run fast enough.

But the truth is, the most meaningful parts of life rarely make noise.

They’re found in the smallest, quietest moments:

The sound of rain tapping against a window.
The warmth of a stranger’s smile.
A child’s hand slipping into yours without a word.
The long exhale after a deep breath you didn’t know you needed.
These moments don’t trend. They aren’t posted. But they stay with us forever.

We’ve learned to celebrate speed, but we must learn again to honor stillness. Because it’s in the pause that we reconnect—with ourselves, with others, with life itself.
Take one minute today. Just one.

Turn off the noise.

Breathe.

Look around you as if it were all brand new.
You may be surprised at the beauty you’ve been rushing past.
Life is not a race. It’s a collection of moments—some loud, some silent, but all sacred.

And often, the most extraordinary things are hidden in the most ordinary minutes.

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The Unseen Side of Sport(s)

Sport isn’t just about medals, finish lines, or final scores.

It’s about everything that happens before that.

The hours no one sees. The sacrifices no one claps for.

The moments when the body says "no," but the heart says "try again."

It’s early mornings when the world is still asleep.

It’s lacing up your shoes when your legs ache.

It’s pushing through the quiet doubt that creeps in when no one’s watching.

Sport is heartbreak. It's missing by a second, falling short by a point, giving your all… and still losing.

But it’s also coming back the next day anyway.

Because that is what sport really is: not perfection, but persistence.

It teaches you to fight clean. To respect your rival. To fail with grace.

To know that sometimes the biggest victory is showing up when you could have walked away.

And for some, it’s not about being the best.

It’s about being better than yesterday.

It’s about reclaiming your body, your confidence, your space in the world.

Whether you're chasing gold, peace of mind, or simply the feeling of flying for a few seconds—

Sport is where we remember that we are capable of more than we think.

Not because it’s easy.

But because it’s ours.

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Running with Usain Bolt - An Unforgettable Invitational Stay in Dubai

We are all role models for the young and elderly

(Photo: My Granddad wearing part of my triathlon race-equipment)

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"You die if you get over 100 heartbeats per minute"

More thoughts

Doped -right now-. Not aware of it? Perfectly possible

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