Olympic champion and figure skating legend Scott Hamilton has announced that he will delay treating his third brain tumor until he shows symptoms. The 63-year-old, who won gold for the U.S. in the 1984 Olympics, revealed his decision in an interview with People magazine on Wednesday.
Hamilton has previously battled cancer in his brain twice, undergoing surgery in 2004 and 2010. The second time was more complicated, with a total of nine surgeries. However, the skater has stated that he does not want to go through another “complicated” surgery.
According to Hamilton, when he received the diagnosis of his third brain tumor, he was given the option for surgery. The doctor, a young and talented surgeon, assured him that they could “pull it off,” but Hamilton decided to “go home and get strong” instead.
Initially, the tumor had shrunk, but when Hamilton went in for a check-up in early 2020, it had grown slightly. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, going into a hospital for treatment was not an option. Hamilton said that he has come to peace with the decision to hold off on treatment until he becomes symptomatic.
The skater also revealed that there is now targeted radiation therapy available, which could shrink the tumor without the need for surgery or chemotherapy. He expressed that he is taking things “moment by moment” and trying to make the best decision when the time comes.
Hamilton’s gold medal at the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo broke a 24-year drought for men’s Olympic figure skating. He went on to win gold at the 1984 Ottawa World Championships before retiring to turn professional.
His decision to delay treatment has sparked admiration and support from fans and the skating community, with many praising his bravery and positive attitude. Hamilton has been vocal about his cancer battle and has often used his platform to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
Despite his health struggles, Hamilton remains active in the skating world, serving as a commentator and mentor for young skaters. He also founded the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, which supports cancer research and education.
The news of Hamilton’s decision comes on the heels of the 2021 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, where figure skating was once again in the global spotlight. As the sports world celebrates the accomplishments of new Olympic champions, Hamilton’s courage and determination remind us of the personal battles and sacrifices that athletes face behind the scenes.
Fans and well-wishers are sending love and positive thoughts to Hamilton and his family while respecting his privacy during this time. The skater’s decision to share his journey with the public has inspired many and has become a testament to his resilience and determination.
