In 2021, Elena Semechin won gold at the Paralympics. It was the most successful year in the vision-impaired German swimmer’s sporting career. But then she received a diagnosis that threw her life into disarray. However, Cancer did not stop the 28-year-old German swimmer. Rather, it reminded her that life is short and she cannot sit around waiting for things to improve. It taught her that she needed to work and pursue her dreams while she was still able, as well as train for championships while undergoing chemotherapy.
It is no doubt to state that Elena’s love of swimming became a driving factor in her cancer battle. Born on October 26, 1993, in Kazakhstan, Elena moved to Russia with her family. When the swimmer was 7-years-old, she was diagnosed with macular degeneration. It resulted in her having 3% of vision. The girl went to a school for disabled children in Russia. Later, when she turned 11, she moved to Germany.
Elena found passion in swimming and trained to become a Paralympic swimmer despite her disability. The swimmer specializes in freestyle and breaststroke. Elena Semechin went on to win the silver medal in 2012 in the 100 m breaststroke event. The event where Elena won the silver medal occurred at the London Paralympics. Later, in 2016, she secured the fifth position in the same event. Filled with hope and dedication, the swimmer always dreamed of winning a gold medal.
Well, her dream was fulfilled in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when she grabbed first place by beating British contender Rebecca Redfern. Amidst all this happiness, Elena was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2021. Let us add that the swimmer was planning to marry her boyfriend and coach Philip Semechin when she learned about being diagnosed with cancer. However, the German swimmer did not lose hope and continued competing in the German championship. It was right after she finished one of her cycles of chemo.
Unfortunately, Elena came last place but it did not affect her mindset and awakened her competing spirit instead. Currently, she is undergoing chemotherapy and is also preparing to compete in the World Championships that will take place in Portugal. After that, she will aim at claiming the gold again at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Needless to say, the swimmer has come to terms with the fact that she might have to live with cancer. Elena has decided that she will not limit her dreams because of the disease.
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