Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Adrian Announces He Has Testicular Cancer

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

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Three-time Olympian and 2012 100 freestyle gold medalist Nathan Adrian announced via social media on Thursday he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He wrote a lengthy post on Instagram that read:

“Life, like swimming the 100 free, can come at you hard and fast as you can’t always see who, or what, may be chasing you down. Recently, I went to the doctor as something didn’t seem quite right. At the very least, I still needed to get my flu shot so it couldn’t hurt.

“After a few tests and visits with a specialist, I unfortunately learned that I have Testicular Cancer. On the bright side, we caught it early, I have already started treatment and the prognosis is good. I will be back in the water in a few short weeks with my sights fully set on Tokyo!

“Along the way, I hope to share my journey in an effort to help break the stigma of discussing men’s health issues. I’ve realized that too often we tend to avoid these important topics, ignore the potential warning signs, and put off getting the medical help that we may need.

“As I told my family, I’ll be putting my public health degree to work a little sooner than I planned! But in all seriousness, I am keeping a positive attitude as cases such as mine are curable.

“I am extremely grateful for my family and friends, especially my wife, for their love and support. I am scheduled for surgery early next week and will provide an update soon.”

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A post shared by Nathan Adrian (@nathangadrian)

Nathan Adrian, 30, was set to represent the United States at the Pan American Games in August 2019, and swim the 50 and 100 free. He was also qualified to swim the 4×100 free relay for the United States at the World Championships later this summer as it would have been his sixth team, the most of anyone on the roster.

Adrian has not indicated if he will have to withdraw from both meets. USA Swimming officials said they will discuss that with Adrian if necessary. As for now, they are just concerned about the health of one of their athletes.

“My heart goes out to Nathan,” said USA Swimming National Team Managing Director Lindsay Mintenko. “Even at a time like this, Nathan is tackling his testicular cancer with his usual fearless and determined personality. Our thoughts are on his immediate health and when the time is right we will discuss Nathan’s upcoming schedule with him. He has indicated that he is hopeful to compete in international competition this summer and we will do everything we can to help him in his recovery and to reach his goal.”

Notably, 2008 American Olympian Eric Shanteau was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer shortly before the 2008 Olympic Trials. He still made the team in the 200 breast, however he had to get cleared by doctors shortly before the Games to determine if he was going to be able to swim in Beijing.

Shanteau ended up placing tenth in the 200 breast semi-finals and did not advance to the final. He underwent surgery shortly after the Olympics.

Afterwards, Shanteau had the best year of his career in 2009 when he broke the American Records in both the 100 and 200 breast, winning a World Championship silver medal in the latter. He placed fourth in the 100 breast final at those Worlds and also won a bronze in the 200 IM.

Shanteau was officially in remission in 2013 after being five years cancer free.

As always you leave us impressed and inspired. ❤️speedy recovery! https://t.co/13DLfCrr4H

— Eve and Candace (@EveandCandace) January 24, 2019

Wishing you a speedy recovery @Nathangadrian Sending all my love to you and your family! Stay strong xx ❤️ https://t.co/SldZ40oiBq

— Jazz Carlin (@JazzCarlin) January 24, 2019

177 Comments

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Karen A Hayes

4 years ago

Good luck to Nathan, glad he caught it early and that the prognosis is good.

Nikki Paul McQueen

4 years ago

Prayers for healing for Mr. Adrian. God bless you.

JiShnu Nair

4 years ago

So sad. Get well soon

Susan Fisher

4 years ago

Kayla Fisher

Maria Angelica Antequera

4 years ago

Maria Paz Muramatsu

4 years ago

Nina

Heather Kiersznowski

4 years ago

Claudia Layton

4 years ago

Julian Layton

Kayla Simon

4 years ago

We love you, Nathan, and we are here for you!

Ross Gardner

4 years ago

Alex Semchenko Chris Rousseau

Susan Fisher

4 years ago

????

Alex Alexopoulos

4 years ago

Garyfalia Zeimpeoglou

4 years ago

Reply to Alex Alexopoulos

Kelvin Ho

4 years ago

Pray for his full recovery and get ready for Tokyo 2020. Go Adrian !

Ann M Cooper

4 years ago

Best wishes for a speedy recovery! ?‍♂️??

Pamela Mock Kosic

4 years ago

Praying for you Nathan !! ??♥️♥️

Ville-Mikko Korkka

4 years ago

All the best for recovery

Cale Walton

4 years ago

Jake Goergen this is rough

Jeanne Jones

4 years ago

WOW!!!!! But YOU are a champion, and you will beat this too and you WILL WIN this battle! God speed and many thoughts and prayers are coming your way.