Paris 2024: Simone Barlaam reunited with Paris surgeon who saved his leg

Fourteen years after performing "miracle" surgery to save Para swimmer Simone Barlaam's leg, Paris-based orthopaedic surgeon Professor Philippe Wicart was in the crowd at Paris La Defense Arena on Friday to watch his former patient claim his third Paralympic title at Paris 2024.

"I am telling all my patients about him," Wicart, who still works at Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, said.

"Of course I am proud of him. I feel so happy for him. I feel also proud to be the one he came to meet a long time ago."

Barlaam, who was born with a congenital condition which resulted in an under-developed right leg, was just 10 years old when he travelled to Paris with his family.

"We were hoping to fix some mistakes they made in hospitals in Italy," Barlaam said.

After initial hip surgery, Wicart then recommended shortening Barlaam’s left leg to increase his limb functionality, and the Italian's family agreed.

"You can see the results," Wicart said of the 18-time world champion.

"He is an amazing example. He shows me that we made the right choice, and it makes my advice stronger for other people I advise. It is very interesting because it gives us so much information on how to manage and treat these conditions. We can now advise new patients and show them the amazing evidence." 

Special reunion

Barlaam, who visited the Paris hospital frequently during his four-year recovery process, cannot wait to show Wicart what he can do now. Having not seen each other since the last consultation more than 10 years ago, Barlaam and his team organised Wicart's ticket to the event.  

The newly-crowned men's 100m butterfly S9 champion was emotional after the race. 

"Incredible, incredible. Thinking that 12 or 13 years ago I go I was here in this very city, with him, in a very different location. It feels very surreal.

"This looks like an ending - not an ending because it's not the end - of a movie, a perfect movie.I would have never imagined even in the best scenarios this kind of thing. He performed a miracle. He saved my leg and he fixed me in every sense."

For Wicart, the experience is be the culmination of an event that has had such an impact on his city.

"We have had a very beautiful Games," Wicart said. "I am proud we have done this. It is fundamental, it is exceptional, it is helping social acceptance of people who are different. It is helping the whole population."

"It was very special before and now it is getting more and more meaning," Barlaam said. "I am very close to Paris, and I'm really grateful for what the French people did for me."