On 4 February, World Cancer Day is observed worldwide, a date that also offers a different perspective on elite sport: that of athletes who interrupted their careers due to a cancer diagnosis and, after treatment, returned to competition. Across different disciplines and countries, several athletes have turned that forced pause into a professional turning point.
In every case, the diagnosis meant an immediate stop, months of treatment and a gradual return to peak physical condition. Yet the comeback was not symbolic. In World Climbing, FIBA 3×3, World Rugby, and in major North American leagues such as MLB and the NHL, these athletes resumed international competition and continued building their sporting careers.
When climbing keeps you standing
Slovenian climber Lučka Rakovec was forced to step away from competition in 2024 after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2023. “I was definitely in shock; I didn’t expect to hear something like that at 23,” she said at the time. The surgery involved a total thyroidectomy and lifelong hormone-regulating medication. Her return to the international circuit in 2025 was immediate and competitive: a final in Innsbruck, finishing eighth; fifth place in Koper; and seventh at the World Championships in Seoul. Reflecting on her comeback, she admitted: “It’s amazing… it’s been a long time since I competed,” and added that she “felt worse when I wasn’t climbing,” because climbing “kept me going.”
Also in climbing, South Korea’s Yunchan Song overcame Hodgkin lymphoma and resumed competition with clear goals. “First of all, my current goal is to climb again in good health. After that, LA28,” he said after completing treatment. Months later, he returned to the podium with a bronze medal at the Korean Youth National Championship, a competition he described as “very meaningful.” “I’m very happy and thankful to have finished treatment,” he stated, while continuing regular medical check-ups and aiming for the national cup circuit and the Olympic pathway.
From diagnosis to wearing the national jersey again
In FIBA 3×3 basketball, Bahraini player Nasser AlMusawi was diagnosed with early-stage leukemia at the age of 16. “I felt lucky and unlucky at the same time,” he recalled. After treatment, he returned to the Bahrain national team and resumed international competition, including appearances during the Asia Cup 3×3 qualification phase in Singapore. “Representing Bahrain means everything,” he said, adding that “that was the moment I knew I was truly back,” while insisting that “be strong no matter what comes your way” reflects his experience.
In rugby sevens, Brazil’s Raquel Kochhann overcame breast cancer, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy before returning to the international circuit with the Brazil national team. “The doctor told me to stay physically active… I kept believing I could beat it, and I did,” she explained upon her comeback. Her return placed her back in international tournaments, maintaining her presence at the highest level of women’s rugby.
Enjoying the game again after the comeback
In the NHL, Canadian legend Mario Lemieux was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma during his professional career. “It’s scary. Every time you hear the word cancer…,” he admitted at the time. After treatment, he returned to competition with the Pittsburgh Penguins, continuing to compete at the top level of North American ice hockey.
In MLB, American pitcher Jon Lester overcame lymphoma and returned to the mound. “Right now I’m cancer-free,” he said after finishing treatment, adding that he intended to “enjoy it more and not take the little things so seriously.” His comeback was not symbolic: he went on to continue his Major League career for years. Across climbing, rugby and North American professional leagues, the common thread remains the same: diagnosis, treatment and return to competition. Cancer became part of their personal history, but it did not bring their sporting journey to an end.
