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If you've ever been friends or been around an Olympic-caliber athlete, or more specifically one of the swimming variety, you'll know they are a dedicated bunch. That's putting it lightly.Every single breath they take, every step they make, every meal they ingest, everything, is devoted to trying to better themselves to reach the Olympics. It's admirable and I respect their drive and dedication, but they're also insane.
With that dedication comes great sacrifice, but you hope that never involves one's life.
24-year-old Eric Shanteau discovered he had testicular cancer one week before leaving for the U.S. Olympic Trials. He was able to somehow block out that major distraction to finish 2nd in the 200 meter breaststroke which was good enough to earn in trip to Beijing.
What that also meant was he had a fairly big decision to make. Cancer treatment now or wait, and fulfill his dream of competing in the Olympics. He chose the later, risking the potential that the cancer could spread.
"I was sort of like, 'This isn't real. There's no way this is happening to me right now,"' Shanteau said. "You're trying to get ready for the Olympics and you just get this huge bomb dropped on you."We've been joking a lot about a fractured testicle over the last two weeks, but this is nothing of the sort.
"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."
Based on all the time, energy and sacrifices Shanteau has likely made, it's no surprise he's making this decision. I'm sure I'd do the same.
I just hope he comes back home from Beijing with something more than cancer. Preferably something heavy, shiny and wrapped around his neck.
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