GWANGJU – “The first thing I asked the doctor when I knew that I am diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer was: Am I going to die?” That was how Gabrielle Lapointe, the Canadian Football player told her story about her being diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer when she was 18 years old.
Gabrielle talked after her Country`s game vs. Russia, in the semi-final, which they lost by 4/0. “Actually. We`re a bit disappointed, but the Russian team was very strong, they played very well, but we gave it the best we could but the luck wasn`t by our side this time. We are still proud of what we accomplished so far, since we are officially in the top 4, and now aiming for the Bronze medal.”
The 22 years old Football Midfielder said: “When I was 18 years old, I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, I had to get a surgery and I suffered because of that since I was in the beginning of the Football season back home. Everybody took care of me, I fought it, and here I am now playing in the Universiade, trying to enjoy every moment as long as I can.”
Amazing thing is, She had to postpone her surgery to the End of the season just because she didn`t want to miss any games with her team, which shows us how important sports can be in the lives of some people. “At first we didn`t think it`s cancer, that is why we decided to push away the surgery so that I keep focusing on the games and to have fun a little before I get into the surgery. If I have to make the decision again, I will not change my previous decision.”
Gabrielle started playing football when she was 14 years old, in the National Sports Center, and right after that started playing at school, and now college. Getting loads of support from her parents, Gabrielle was even more enthusiastic to play football, she found great coaches in Canada who trained her well.
“When people told us before about the Universiade that it’s going to be huge and so on, we didn`t even believe it. But now since I am here, it is simply incredible. More like the Olympics, being well planned with lots of efforts put in it. Everything here is just perfect, the games, the transportation, the residency, even the food served at the Athletes’ Village. I still have another chance to participate in the next tournament, and that is my plan now.”
Mahmoud Khairy (EGY), FISU Young Reporter
Related News
