5 Olympic athletes who had cancer open up
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games unfold, we’re honoring the remarkable experiences of individuals who have not only achieved the highest level of athleticism but have also defeated a cancer diagnosis. Their inspiring stories below highlight the power of unwavering resilience and hope in the face of adversity, reminding us that true victory lies not just in winning medals but in overcoming the toughest personal battles.
1) Raquel Kochhann
Despite an 18-month break, Brazilian rugby player Raquel Kochhann is playing her third Olympics this year. After discovering a malignant lump in her breast during a knee recovery, Kochhann underwent a preventative bilateral mastectomy and chemotherapy to reduce the risk of her cancer spreading. Her care team recommended Kochhann stay physically active, so she persevered with her training and continued showing up for her team. On days she wasn’t training, she supported her teammates with coaching and filming.
“Even if the therapy would bring me down physically,” she says, “I kept believing I could beat this…and I did.” As Kochhann returns to the Olympics, she hopes her story can inspire others to always see “an opportunity in every difficulty.”
2) Jean Mitchell
Jean Mitchell, a 24-year-old Australian rower, is completing her dream of competing in the Olympics, a dream she was not sure she could achieve. At 16, Mitchell’s training abruptly halted after an MRI discovered a tumor at the back of her brain. All rowing and academics were paused for the next two years as Mitchell underwent several rounds of chemotherapy. After her treatment, Mitchell dedicated her recovery to rebuilding her strength and health to compete again. Following World Rowing Cup III, Mitchell was selected to be a part of the Australian Olympic Rowing Team and is an inspiration for the whole crew.
Mitchell says “Having been so close to death and then having this moment I think I really have to soak it in and enjoy it for what it is. I can’t wait to see how it all goes.”
3) Chou Tien Chen
Chou Tien Chen, a renowned badminton player from Chinese Taipei, discovered he had early-stage colon cancer during a routine medical checkup before the Badminton Asia Championships. Chen chose to keep his initial diagnosis and recovery private, stating he “didn’t want to give an excuse.” Nearly a year later, Chen opened up about his diagnosis to encourage others to remain positive and undergo early cancer screening.
4) Karlie Kisha
USA Field Hockey’s Karlie Kisha was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer just months before the opening match of the women’s tournament at the Paris Olympic Games. 11 days after her diagnosis, Kisha had surgery to remove her thyroid and lymph nodes. Although daily medication and close monitoring is needed, Kisha considers herself fortunate given her speedy recovery. With renewed motivation, Kisha is looking forward to competing and fulfilling her lifelong dream.
5) Ikee Rikako
Japanese swimmer Ikee Rikako captured the world’s attention when she won six gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games. At the top of her career, Rikako noticed she felt unusually out of breath and discovered she had leukemia. The following year was “bitter and painful,” marking the biggest turning point in her life. As Rikako gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, she is making sure to take in all the “precious simple pleasures” in life.
Take control of your cancer diagnosis and receive updates on the latest guidelines and treatments by downloading the Outcomes4Me app today.
