Despite the Odds…
Posted by VeRonda Wicks July 24th, 2008Man… I’m sitting here thinking how to even begin this story. Just when you think you’ve seen or heard an amazing story, another one just crashes through. And, no matter what your stance is on this story, you’ll have to give this guy his propers (Bigups!) for such a passionate display.
This 24-year-old guy, Eric Shanteau, competed in the Olympic swimming trials, coming in at second place. With his finishing time, he was able to grab a spot on the 2008 Olympic swimming team. A once in a life time event being held in Beijing, Shanteau was presented with a choice (or maybe he didn’t think of it as a choice at all). He was diagnosed with testicular cancer a week prior to the trials and with this news, this champion decided to continue his quest for gold and go on to Beijing (Wow, right?).
Shanteau will have to face surgery, but it will happen after he comes back home. Maintaining that he’s not being naïve about the matter, Shanteau is having doctors monitor him closely during his time away. Apparently, his feelings are that the Olympics may be his once in a lifetime experience and he doesn’t want to miss out on that…
A courageous one indeed, what is your stance on Shanteau’s decision and have you ever found yourself in a once in a lifetime situation (It doesn’t have to be sports related.)?
July 24th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
That’s awesome and inspiring.
Hugs,
Holly
July 24th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
First, I want to thank you for stopping by and commenting on my blog. I’m glad you got a chuckle today. You might also enjoy my post from yesterday about a father and son team who competed in the Iron man race. If you click on the site under my Post title God Lives you’ll be inspired once again by the strength and commitment of the human spirit. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for the Eric Shanteau in the upcoming Olympics. Thanks for bringing him to our attention. I can’t wait until the Olympics begin. Hope to read more from you both here and on my blog. Ciao!
July 24th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Oh, I forgot to mention my once in a lifetime situation. It has nothing to do with sports but it does have to do with a complete test of the human spirit and strength. My husband and I found out we were unable to have children on our own. We had to make a choice. Attempt In Vitro (IVF) or… Anyway, after much prayer and thought someone said, “Just think of it like this, you’ll spend that much on a new car and you won’t have anything to show for it years from now. If you don’t try IVF you’ll regret it for the rest of your life and always wonder, “What if?” Well, we did try IVF x 2. I can’t count how many pills,shots (I HATE NEEDLES) and ultrasounds etc. I had to take/give myself. In the end we still were unable to conceive. HOWEVER, we were able to adopt our beautiful little girl a year later. She is our once in a lifetime for sure. If we don’t take risks physically, mentally or emotionally we’ll never grow or know what we’re truly made of. Hope this wasn’t too personal but that’s all I’ve got and it meant the world to me.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Thanks, Holly, for stopping by… be sure to stop by again soon! Take care.
July 24th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Oh my gosh, Nichole, no it’s not too personal… it’s your story. And, I feel so honored that you thought enough to sure something so special and so awesome. I’m glad you were able to have a once in a lifetime experience… everyone deserves at least just one! And, I will stop back by to visit the post that you mentioned. Thanks so much for stopping by!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Hiho Veronda,
Thanks for stopping by my whacky blog of silliness!
Personally, I think Shanteau did exactly the right thing. It takes real guts to literally “go for the gold” when your health or life might be on the line for it. Kudos to him for hanging in there!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:02 am
This kind of story is what makes the Olympics worth watching. I get tired of the same attitude amongst professional sports figures in our city. They complain and make millions. (but everyone knows that story).
What I love is the pureness of the Olympics. Not the top events or the favorites to win those. They have become tainted as well. If you dig deep you can find stories like this one.
I read about this before stopping at your blog and had a discussion about this with my wife. Reminded us of Lance Armstrong before he left his wife.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Hi “groovyoldlady”… I enjoyed your site and I appreciate your comment. It does take guts, doesn’t it, to commit to something when facing such circumstances. Stop by again!
July 25th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Chris, isn’t it refreshing to see humility and a peek into mankind within a story? I love it! The heart of the story is indeed very similar to Armstrong’s story. Thanks so much for visiting!
July 25th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
First off – thanks for stopping by my blog!
As for this story, I think it’s fantastic! As long as the Doc’s are gonna be there checking on him, I see no reason why he shouldn’t compete. He’s worked his entire life for this moment in time. As long as it doesn’t affect his health to compete, I say go for it!!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
VeRonda, thanks for stopping by Becca’s Byline, and for your kind words. I enjoyed reading your plans for the weekend -they sound very much like mine.
I’m glad you shared this story, and I comment this young man for following his dream. He has the kind of spirit and attitude which will help him be victorious in athletics and in fighting his disease.
July 26th, 2008 at 12:37 am
Amazing courage!
Thanks for dropping by in my blog and commenting.
Have a super day!
July 26th, 2008 at 8:39 am
I admire Eric Shanteau’s courage and dedication to his sport. It’s always sad to hear someone developing cancer. May he be successful in the Olympics. I also hope that he can be victorious in life by overcoming the cancer.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
July 26th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
good story.. thanks for sharing it with us. i think he made a good decision. a short amount of time like that isn’t going to make a huge difference in the cancer growth, but how can he push forward with that on his mind? must be that athletic mentality…
July 28th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Hey Melissa!
Yep, it looks like the he and the docs have it under complete control… I agree that it’s amazing!
July 28th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Hi Mary! It appears that all the readers believe he made a good decision. Life is all about chances, huh? Thanks for visiting!
July 28th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Hi Becca! I enjoyed your take on the story… the spirit that he carries with him will allow him to fight off this disease. Such courage. Wow! Be sure to visit again soon!
July 28th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Hi Rachel!
Your blog was fantastic! Be sure to visit again… My hope is, too, that Eric beats this!
July 28th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Gallicissa, hi! Amazing pretty much sums it up! Thanks for visiting.
July 28th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Well, I imagine he has been well advised by his doctors and either he knows his time is short or his chances are good even if he waits. Either way, I say more power to him!
July 28th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Hi Summer! Thanks for visiting… There is only hope that he’ll see days on the other side of this ordeal. I’ve found that hope really can help!