Finishing a race, glancing at the scoreboard and seeing a new best time should be the highlight of an athlete’s day. But for some, that victory is cut short when their vision goes fuzzy, the world blinks in and out, and suddenly everything goes black. They wake up flat on the cold tiled floor, with trainers, coaches, and teammates hovering overhead as their heart pounds in their ears. This is the reality for athletes with conditions like POTS or tachycardia — their world can flip from triumph to crisis in seconds.
Too often, these athletes are underestimated. Doctors, coaches and even fellow athletes sometimes question whether people with chronic health conditions belong in sports. But I believe these athletes not only belong — they have the potential to make history. They don’t need pity; they need recognition.
When most people picture an athlete, they imagine someone with sculpted muscles, endless stamina and flawless health. The media reinforces this stereotype, showcasing only “picture-perfect” bodies and downplaying any health challenges. But some of the most successful athletes in the world live with chronic conditions.
Venus Williams battles Sjögren’s syndrome. Michael Phelps has ADHD. Lauren De Crescenzo returned to cycling after a traumatic brain injury. Cory Greenberg competes while managing IBS. Beyond the, college athletes like Charles Stone (basketball, KSU, asthma), Kelly Mashburn (swimming, Piedmont, asthma and iron deficiency) and Hayes Lightsey (baseball, Tallulah Falls, epilepsy)are redefining what it means to compete at a high level. These stories prove that chronic conditions do not cancel out athletic greatness.
The stereotype of the “perfectly healthy athlete” creates a divide athletes. Those living with conditions may feel pressure to hide their struggles, fearing they’ll be seen as weak or “always sick.” Coaches sometimes misinterpret fatigue or flare-ups as laziness, ratherthan recognizing the extra effort required to show up.
Media coverage is equally guilty. By ignoring chronic conditions in top athletes, the press reinforces the illusion that only the healthiest succeed. In reality, athletes with chronic conditions are shifting the culture — showing that discipline, resilience and adaptability are as much a part of greatness as physical health.
Managing a chronic condition requires constant discipline. A swimmer with diabetes, for instance, must monitor blood sugar, plan meals, track nutrition and recover carefully — every single day. This kind of preparation is not a weakness; it’s a strength. As I like to say: “Without preparation, my body will fail me. But with proper planning, I can give 110% all day.”
The sports world needs to change. Coaches and organizations must adapt training and support to the athletes’ needs, forcing everyone into the same mold. Trainers should treat not only injuries but also ongoing conditions, helping athletes find relief and perform at their best.
Yes, these athletes may carry inhalers and daily pain. They also have the same drive, passion, and competitiveness as any teammate. That’s what sports are really about — heart, resilience and the pursuit of greatness.
Athletes with chronic conditions don’t need sympathy. They need visibility, respect and the chance to prove they belong. By shifting our culture, we can dismantle the myth of the “perfect athlete” and embrace the truth: success in sports is not about being free of struggle, but about how you push through it.
