By MARK LEMKE in Luanda
Behind the echoing library of Team SA success stories, is a group of selfless medical professionals ensuring that every athlete, coach, manager, and delegate is healthy and taken care of. The Chief Medical Officer at the African Youth Games in Angola, Dr Jess Burgess, celebrated her 32nd birthday on Sunday, providing the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the tireless efforts of this remarkable medical team.
Before hopping aboard the bus to attend to the Team SA cyclists on Sunday morning, Jess sat on the steps of the vibrant yellow Ika Hotel to share the work her and her team do to ensure that the young Team SA athletes in Luanda receive the best care possible.
The African Youth Games is the second event that Jess has undertaken for Team SA with her first being the 2025 African School Games in Algeria in July as the squad’s only doctor. For Jess and her team, the work for the African Youth Games began all the way back in October.
“Once I received the call to join the team for these Games, we began the planning. We had to make sure we brought everything we needed and that we could get it into the country. We plan to be self-sufficient so we have complete certainty that, if there was an emergency, we can act immediately,” said Jess.
In all cases, a team is only as good as their captain. The incredible and caring medical team in Angola speaks volumes of Jess’s character. The doctor broke down the work she does for the team, “I coordinate all the medical services and I make sure that everyone on the medical team knows where they are going, what they are doing, and if there is anyone who needs help, I step in. I also have the day-to-day medical services for the athletes.”
Clocks have become obsolete to Jess and her team. They are available 24/7 and able to respond immediately to any issue. “I am quite tired now,” she says jokingly, “but I am quite good at napping, as a doctor you learn to do that, so I just catch a nap when I can because the hours are so unpredictable. We have been on bus trips lasting hours and hours, then we’re standing in the sun for even longer. The next day is an early morning and repeat.”
The sleepless nights and energy sapping days must surely require something beyond the physical to provide the willpower to keep going?
“This job must be a passion. I think many people think being a doctor is glamorous, but it is not. It is hard work, but it is worth it to me. I enjoy helping people live their best lives. I want help make life worth living. That is what I really love.”
When Games end, Jess has her sights set on the second love of her life, running. The incredible doctor has ran “countless” marathons and is looking forward to competing in her third Comrades Marathon. “I must like to suffer!” chuckled Jess.
Team SA’s friendly CMO received birthday wishes from athletes, coaches and staff from all team codes with everyone wanting to show her how special she is and how appreciated she is by all in Angola.
“It is a little bit hard being away from my family today and I miss my labrador Tuba, he’s my baby, but I am having such a good time! This is definitely going to be one of my best birthdays.”
Sunday also marked one week left of competition at the African Youth Games. Jess and the incredible team behind her will continue to work tirelessly with wide smiles and attentive eyes. Happy Birthday “Dr Jess” and thank you, and your amazing team, for the incredible efforts you make to ensure the safest and most caring environment for Team SA to thrive.
