The Belgian athlete Julien Watrin31 year old and European runner-up in the 400 meters indoor track, announced today that he will take a break from his sports career to undergo chemotherapy treatment to overcome a testicular cancer.
“I was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer. It has been recurring, since I had surgery in September, although few people know about it. I felt something strange. So at the end of the season, I had tests. The cancer was confirmed very quickly Three days later “I was in the operating room. I thought my 2024 season was over. But I was more worried about my life at that moment,” said the athlete in a press conference.
In his voice thick with emotion, Watrin commented that the chances of recurrence after surgery were 15% in the next four months and that chemotherapy was not recommended.
“We went all out towards the Olympic Games thinking that every three months we would have a little stress at the check-up. The first check-up in December was good. They called me for another check-up. And that’s when they “I noticed a lymph node recurrence. This means I have to start chemotherapy tomorrow, Thursday,” he said.
The athlete was in treatment for nine weeks so it was “impossible” to reach the Olympic Games in Parissuch as postponing treatment.
“I can’t wait,” explained the sprinter, adding that “the opposite thing” is that he is in good athletic shape.
Watrin added that he believes he’s handled the situation he’s in “pretty well,” with support from his family and friends.
“I didn’t fall into depression. Sometimes, when you have a blow that’s too big, you’re crushed and then it’s light. You can’t believe it. It’s a little strange,” said the athlete.
Besides his sports career, Watrin cultivated his academic profile: he obtained a degree in Industrial Engineer and learning sociology, philosophy and anthropology.
“I’m lucky that it’s not just athletics. I enjoy other environments such as music, reading, philosophy, science. I hope I have the same mentality when the treatment affects my body,” said the athlete.
Specially awarded to 400 meter relayWatrin won silver at the European Championship held last year in Istanbul and scored a Belgian record in internal discipline with 45.44 seconds.
The athlete, who also has Belgian record in the 400 meters hurdleswith 48.66 seconds, explained that he was preparing “a big blow” for 2024 because he was “at a higher level than last year in Istanbul.”
“But, on the other hand, my loved ones are here to remind me that they love me, that there are many other things and that I should take care of myself. The predictions are good. In most cases, the man is cured. after these nine weeks of chemotherapy. There are examples of athletes who return to their level. I will go step by step. I go with serenity. I am well accompanied. I trust the medical world,” he said .
Source: La Verdad
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