7-Time Olympic Medalist Opened Up on Ignorance That Cost Her Fight With Cancer Back in 2011: ?How Fast Can I Get Out?

Athletes are at the peak of their form when they are competing. However, it takes years of hard work and dedication to reach this level. And it requires even more effort to maintain this form. Therefore, athletes do not always keep at it after retirement.

Although one may not continue to maintain their peak form, it is still crucial to visit the doctor for routine check-ups. And the implications of skipping them can have dire consequences. A former athlete had to find out the hard way.

Shannon Miller stopped taking her routine check-ups seriously after retiring

Shannon Miller is a retired gymnast who enjoyed the position of the most decorated US gymnast before Simone Biles entered the sport. Although she retired with the title in 2000, she competed at her last Olympic meet in 1996. The athlete tried to make it to the team in 2000 but did not qualify.

Following her retirement, she did not look after her health in the same way she used to while she was competing. It escalated to the point when she tried to hasten her way through her routine check-ups.

But in 2011, she received a wake-up call after receiving her cancer diagnosis. And she recalled during an interview that even on that day, she tried to rush the process by stating she ?felt fine? to the doctor. In doing so, Miller forgot to mention ?the bloating, the stomach pains, the sudden weight loss.? Reflecting on her mistake, she said, “I went in there thinking, ‘How fast can I get out?’ “

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However, following her diagnosis and recovery, the former gymnast tries to remain extra vigilant about her health and pen down every symptom she experiences. Moreover, she calls the doctor without hesitating if it persists for more than two weeks.

Before Simone Biles, Miller was the GOAT

Miller became the most decorated gymnast in the US after competing at Olympic meets. However, Biles has taken over the tile in recent years. Both athletes have equal medal counts. But Simone has surpassed her due to her gold medal hauls at the meet.

The current gymnastics GOAT has four golds, while Miller clinched two during her career. She secured the gold medals on the balance beam and the team competition at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

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And even though Biles has surpassed her as the most decorated in the country, Miller?s legacy is here to stay.