I had my left lung removed last December because of cancer. I was never a smoker or was exposed to second hand smoke. I have never heard of a competitive swimmer that has one lung. Is there anyone out there like that? If so, can I ever compete again if I really work at it. I am having quite a time now trying to swim distance without stopping. Need some advice. Want to conquer this!!!
Parents
Former Member
I can't recall off hand any swimmers, but I do recall once reading a story of an Olympic runner who had only one lung. I don't remember his name but recall in the article discussing how one lung can compensate and over time through training produce the same amount of necessary functioning as a person with two lungs. If I recall correctly, I think the one lung actually grows in capacity over time to compensate. This may not be of much help, but I do remember at least one story of an athlete that overcame the situation.
Good luck! If you are conquering cancer, you can conquer anything! I have a close family member with terminal cancer and the situation provides me with enormous encouragement to set my sights on achieving my goals in life and get the most out of every day we have.
If you haven't read Lance Armstrong's book "It's not about the bike", it is quite a good read, especially for an athlete that overcame an illness. It gives great perspective on why an athlete does what they do and how it's much more about the journey vs. winning a medal. I just returned after competing in the World Masters Games in Melbourne, Australia where there were 1700 swimmers from 84 countries. It was just great working towards the goal of competing side by side with many amazing people. It didn't matter to me if I was near the top with my finishes.
I can't recall off hand any swimmers, but I do recall once reading a story of an Olympic runner who had only one lung. I don't remember his name but recall in the article discussing how one lung can compensate and over time through training produce the same amount of necessary functioning as a person with two lungs. If I recall correctly, I think the one lung actually grows in capacity over time to compensate. This may not be of much help, but I do remember at least one story of an athlete that overcame the situation.
Good luck! If you are conquering cancer, you can conquer anything! I have a close family member with terminal cancer and the situation provides me with enormous encouragement to set my sights on achieving my goals in life and get the most out of every day we have.
If you haven't read Lance Armstrong's book "It's not about the bike", it is quite a good read, especially for an athlete that overcame an illness. It gives great perspective on why an athlete does what they do and how it's much more about the journey vs. winning a medal. I just returned after competing in the World Masters Games in Melbourne, Australia where there were 1700 swimmers from 84 countries. It was just great working towards the goal of competing side by side with many amazing people. It didn't matter to me if I was near the top with my finishes.
