Inge Dekker, Dutch Olympic Gold Medalist, Diagnose With Cervical Cancer

Photo Courtesy: Gian Mattia Dalberto/Lapresse

Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

Inge Dekker, an Olympic gold medalist for The Netherlands, has been diagnosed with cervical cancer according to a release by the Dutch Swimming Federation.

Dekker, who won gold as part of the 400-meter freestyle relay at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, was stunned upon hearing her doctor’s diagnosis.

“It is obviously very scary when you hear this news,” Dekker said in the statement. “For three years, I’ve been preoccupied with getting ready for the Rio Olympics, and then I heard this. Suddenly, my life became very quiet and I could see that everything was relative. I took a few days to get used to the news, but now I am looking with confidence towards the future. I am focusing on being positive and giving my all to recover well. I can only focus on the things I can influence, but I have certainly not put the Rio Olympics out of my head.”

Dekker is a major part of The Netherlands’ potential success, especially in relay duty. She previously won bronze in the 400-meter free relay at the 2004 Athens Olympics and silver in the same event at the 2012 London Olympics. Dekker is also a three time long course world champion with wins in the 50-meter fly in 2011 as well as the 400 free relay in 2009 and 2011.

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Helene van der Sluys

8 years ago

So sad.

Carmen Chirilas

8 years ago

Very sad News!

Michelle Romy Nieuwstad

8 years ago

Caitlin Kat

8 years ago

Reply to Michelle Romy Nieuwstad

No! 🙁

rob

8 years ago

Let us all hope for Inge that she has a full recovery from this.

Amie Krueger

8 years ago

???????????????

Patricia Cani

8 years ago

Reni noooo

Reni Rejsi

8 years ago

Reply to Patricia Cani

E pashe ne mediat hollandeze sot… devastated

Carol Harper

8 years ago

Thoughts and prayers sent her way.

Karen Ferguson

8 years ago

Ross Mathieson

Patt Chase

8 years ago

Prayers to her.

Ile Jovcevski

8 years ago

🙁

Robert Nesbitt

8 years ago

I wish her the speediest of recovery

Cindi Dayton

8 years ago

Only met Inge briefly, taking pics for SW at Dutch Nationals, but what a class act. So very sad to hear of this.

Peter Dernier

8 years ago

Good wishes.

Tammy Foor Collier

8 years ago

Praying for this Olympian. Stay strong.

Alexander B Gallant

8 years ago

Jesus

Simona De Lullo

8 years ago

Stay strong Inge! FXXK CANCER

André Rodrigues

8 years ago

We, swim fans, are praying for her that every thing run well and she can get healthy quickly!!

Vicki Mclaughlin

8 years ago

Praying for this athlete

Emanuele Calderone

8 years ago

:(…stay strong lady!

Francesco D'Arrigo

8 years ago

Be strong Inge and win this battle too!

Tara Rae

8 years ago

Wishing Inge all the very best , she’s an amazing competitor and a Champion swimmer both in and out of the pool . Sending her all my love and get well wishes , if anyone can kick this , Inge can ❤️❤️❤️