Sports Stars Who Fought Cancer
Swimmer Eric Shanteau found out he had testicular cancer a week before qualifying for the Olympic team, but he postponed treatment so he could compete in Beijing. He's currently cancer-free and has returned to competitive swimming. Click through to see other athletes who have fought cancer.
Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images
Australian soccer star Craig Moore undergoes surgery to battle testicular cancer, but he is expected to make a successful recovery.
Robert Cianflone, Getty Images
Golf legend Seve Ballesteros is in intensive care after doctors removed a cancerous tumor from his brain.
Stuart Franklin, Getty Images
Lance Armstrong survived his bout with testicular cancer and went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles. Armstrong is now planning to make a comeback and chase his eighth crown.
Peter Dejong, AP
Former NBA player Wayman Tisdale, seen here in 2006, had part of his leg amputated because of bone cancer. "This may sound drastic, but I have put it in God's hands and now have peace, knowing that this is the best way to put this disease in check," he said.
Brad Barket, Getty Images
Jim Calhoun underwent 33 radiation sessions over the summer to battle skin cancer, and now the UConn hoops coach expects to be recovered in time for the new season.
Ned Dishman, Getty Images
Maarten van der Weijden, who was given only a slim chance of survival after being diagnosed with leukemia in 2001, swims past the favorites to win a gold medal in one of the most grueling events of the Olympics.
Robert F Bukaty, AP
Bruce Snyder, who has coached football at Arizona State, California and Utah State, admitted in July that he has cancer through a statement released by Arizona State's sports information office.
Tom Hauck, Getty Images
Bobby Murcer, who was one of the most popular figures in Yankees history, died of brain cancer on July 12. He had been diagnosed with the disease on Christmas Eve of 2006.
Julie Jacobson, AP
Less than two months after his surgery for thyroid cancer, Diamondbacks pitcher Doug Davis made a triumphant return to the mound on May 23, giving up only one run in seven innings.
John Bazemore, AP
You might remember the story of Shanteau. He went to the Olympics in Beijing to compete, having postponed cancer treatment in order to do so. He'll admit to being a bit distracted during the games, but who can really blame him? Cancer isn't exactly akin to a mild headache or a nagging cough, you know. Since returning home, Shanteau underwent surgery -- which successfully removed the cancer -- and rehabbed for many weeks before finally returning to competition this past weekend.
In Atlanta, Shanteau finished second in the 200-yard individual medley -- to American record-holder Ryan Lochte, whom you should remember from the Olympics -- in the U.S. Short Course Nationals. He set a personal best in this event, and also set a personal best in the 100-yard breaststroke, noting to CNN that "For me to go the times I did is pretty incredible." Of the whole experience, though, the times in each individual race took a backseat to the journey itself.
"This experience gave me a very different and new perspective on life -- it's a good one," Shanteau said. "As traumatic as cancer can be, there's a lot of good that you can take out of it. Appreciate the small things."While this isn't the first story of perseverance we've heard like this -- and it won't be the last -- it never gets old to hear about people battling adversity and coming out shining of excellence. It's a testament to the human spirit that someone can emerge just months after facing a life-threatening illness as a winner.
Even though Eric Shanteau came out of that pool in second place, he was definitely a champion when you consider what he overcame. This adds to the wonderful collection of in which someone battled and defeated cancer like it was some sort of a game. We can always use a little more inspiration.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Good for him. A real triumph
Eric,
Congratulations on your latest race right after surgery and cancer free!
God bless him!! May the Force continue with him..
God Bless Him...
Good for him!! I love stories like this.I've been fighting bladder cancer for 2 years & may need to have my bladder removed soon but so far I've out-lived my original doctor's prediction which was I had 2 years to live & that was 2 years ago & I'm doing very well all things considered.I attribute my survival so far to "alternate" therapies which my doctors aren't crazy about but so far it's kept me alive & in very good general health.
GREAT JOB
Hey Ron, im a two time winner of beating lymphoma, i to went the other direction plus western meds combined, i take zeolite to flush my body plus a tea called essiac tea. look them up they may help you, just wanted to pass this on to you. best of luck. please email me if i can be of any help...
Way to go Eric! Your mom was my professor right before the Olympic trials, and she was so nervous and excited for you. I was just excited to know such a close family member of an Olympic athlete! Prayed for you and your family when I heard about the cancer. God Bless you and may you keep growing stronger as a person as well as an athlete!
How long did he have to wait after having them cut off?
Good for him anyway getting back in the game.
Way to go Eric. God will use you as a testimony to millions.
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How rude can you be?? Geeze woman!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations! You have won the GOLD!
HI ERIC
GLAD YOU BEAT THE CANCER AND WENT ON TO TAKE THE GOLD.FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS,AND A FEW PRAYS DONT HURT EITHER.
I HAD THROAT CANCER AND BEEN CLEAN FOR A 1.5 YEARS. COMPARED TO YOU IAM AND OLD FART WHO SMOKED FOR 50 YRS.
MY GRANDSON SWIMS AT FAU IN FLORIDA.
GOD BLESS YOU
FRANK
my grandfather had a mass in his right testicle and the testicle removed last year. but it wasn't the type of cancer that spreads its the type of mass that grows and leads to other health issues. but he is fine now and doing well. so my prayers to him and god bless him.
you are a true survivor and a winner.....go Eric go! i too am a cancer survivor and cherish each moment of victory over the disease! TBTG!
God Bless you Eric and don't forget to thank him. i too just am cancer free after surgery. i am a 71 year old swimmer and love the sport. keep sculling..... norma
I was watching the Olympics and remember Eric. I thought he was very courageous. I'm so happy to hear he is doing well and swimming again.
Praise God! That is fantastic news Eric! I pray that you win many more races and I am so happy that God has given you this great testimony to share with others!
Please use this opportunity to help eradicate cancer. I am a surviver and cancer free for 13 years. Enjoy your second chance and make avery day best day of your life.