…Researched and contributed by Larry John.
Olivier Marteel, a snooker referee, recently made headlines for stopping a second Just Stop Oil protester from getting on the table at the World Championship Snooker event at the Crucible.
Marteel’s quick thinking saved the day for snooker lovers, as he grabbed hold of the protester and prevented her from gluing herself to the table.
However, helping people is in Marteel’s nature.
When the World Snooker Championship was postponed, Marteel returned to his home country of Belgium and worked as a radiology nurse during the pandemic.
He was asked to take on the role by his head nurse and didn’t hesitate to join the front lines.
Marteel worked in the Covid A&E department, checking the symptoms of patients and determining whether they needed to be tested for Covid-19 or see a doctor.
He wore a scuba diving mask that was bought in a sports shop and had to wear two pairs of gloves, which made his hands feel like gum after long days of work.
Marteel has been a snooker referee since 1994, but he described his nursing job as much more challenging.
Despite this, he said that he didn’t have a second of doubt when asked to help out during the pandemic.
Marteel’s actions at the World Championship Snooker event were hailed by fans on Twitter, who commended him for his quick thinking and heroism.
Marteel’s story is a reminder that many people have been called upon to do extraordinary things during the pandemic.
From healthcare workers to essential employees, many have gone above and beyond to help others during this challenging time.