Olympian Eric Shanteau Has Testicular Cancer
In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Shanteau said he learned just a week before the Olympic trials in Omaha, Neb., that he has testicular cancer. His doctors cleared him to compete in that meet and he surprisingly made the team in the 200-metre breaststroke, finishing second ahead of former world-record holder and heavy favourite Brendan Hansen.
"If I didn't make the team, the decision would have been easy: Go home and have the surgery," Shanteau said. "I made the team, so I had a hard decision. But, by no means am I being stupid about this."
Although Shanteau's doctors have advised him to have surgery now, he's planning to put it off until after Beijing because he doesn't want to disrupt his lifelong goal. The 24-year-old Georgia native will be monitored closely over the next month and vows to drop out of the Olympics if there's any sign is cancer is spreading.
More quotes from Shanteau at the link.
Wow. This is just devastating news. Lance Armstrong overcame his testicular cancer and I'm confident Shanteau will as well. Hopefully they've caught it early. Best of luck and health to Eric.
Labels: Eric Shanteau
posted by Michelle at
7/11/2008 12:22:00 PM
5 Comments:
Here is another article about Eric.
This is such sad news and what terrible timing to get such news. I can't get over the fact that he received his diagnosis and then the following week performed so well at Trials. What a champion! Hopefully, Eric will be able to compete just as well in Beijing. Best wishes and a speedy recovery to Eric.
By
AimsRos, at 7/11/2008 1:07 PM
There's really not much to say, mostly because I'm so shocked. Its such terrible news, and has to be a ridiculously difficult thing for him to deal with, and a hard decision to make. It makes his swims at trials even that much more impressive. The poor boys dreams are finally realized, and he can't even celebrate properly.
I hope that all works out well for him and he can compete and get this taken care of. My thoughts, prayers and best wishes definitely go out to him.
By
Sarah, at 7/11/2008 2:02 PM
:-( X 1000000. Poor Eric.
By
Teri, at 7/11/2008 6:33 PM
This is really sad news. Eric was quite strong to perform with this cloud over him.
Fortunately, this can be a very treatable cancer if caught early, witness Lance Armstrong and my brother-in-law. Lance was treated here in Indy and while the treatment may not be easy, it has a good chance of success.
Our prayers go with Eric.
By
Peter Bick, at 7/11/2008 8:09 PM
I just found out about this, wow. My heart and thoughts are with him, I'll be cheerly loudly from my couch during the 200!
By
crackinup, at 7/18/2008 5:43 PM
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