Eric Shanteau
Eric Shanteau’s ride to the 2008 Olympics certainly had its ups and downs. First, his father was diagnosed with lung cancer. Following this heartbreaking news, Eric went on to swim the fastest 50 meter breaststroke split in the history of the 200 IM. After this record-breaking event, Eric was suddenly diagnosed with testicular cancer. Despite the turmoil, Eric was named to the 2008 US Olympic Team in the 200m Breaststroke.
Still in pursuit of the dream he’d been working toward his whole life, Eric consulted several doctors, and after a series of medical tests he was cleared to swim only one week before Trials. He traveled to Omaha under the assumption that even if he made the team, he may never see Beijing. In a bittersweet victory Shanteauqualified for the Olympic Team and after another torturous round of testing and weighing his options with the risks; he chose to continue on with his dream of competing in the Olympics.
Through it all, the one thing that was not difficult for Shanteauwas his decision to go public with his illness. The tremendous amount of support he received from his friends, family, complete strangers, and other cancer survivors gave Shanteauthe courage he needed to fight both for his health and for his Olympic dream.
Eric is now in remission and is an avid spokesperson for cancer awareness. As an Olympic athlete, cancer survivor, role model, and spokesperson for testicular cancer, Eric has fought hard to beat the odds. He remains an inspiration to audiences the world over. Eric is currently training in Southern California with the goal of medaling in the 2012 London Games, cancer free.
MOST REQUESTED TOPICS:
Olympic Dream & Spirit
Overcoming Adversity
Follow Your Dream
Surviving Cancer
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 2008 Olympian
- Eleven-time All-American
- 2005 World University Games Double Gold Medalist (200 IM, 400 IM)
- US National Champion
- 2007 U.S. National Championship Silver Medalist - 200m Breaststroke & 200m IM
- 2007 U.S. National Championship Bronze Medalist - 100m Breaststroke & 400m IM
Eric Shanteau’s ride to the 2008 Olympics certainly had its ups and downs. First, his father was diagnosed with lung cancer. Following this heartbreaking news, Eric went on to swim the fastest 50 meter breaststroke split in the history of the 200 IM. After this record-breaking event, Eric was suddenly diagnosed with testicular cancer. Despite the turmoil, Eric was named to the 2008 US Olympic Team in the 200m Breaststroke.
Still in pursuit of the dream he’d been working toward his whole life, Eric consulted several doctors, and after a series of medical tests he was cleared to swim only one week before Trials. He traveled to Omaha under the assumption that even if he made the team, he may never see Beijing. In a bittersweet victory Shanteauqualified for the Olympic Team and after another torturous round of testing and weighing his options with the risks; he chose to continue on with his dream of competing in the Olympics.
Through it all, the one thing that was not difficult for Shanteauwas his decision to go public with his illness. The tremendous amount of support he received from his friends, family, complete strangers, and other cancer survivors gave Shanteauthe courage he needed to fight both for his health and for his Olympic dream.
Eric is now in remission and is an avid spokesperson for cancer awareness. As an Olympic athlete, cancer survivor, role model, and spokesperson for testicular cancer, Eric has fought hard to beat the odds. He remains an inspiration to audiences the world over. Eric is currently training in Southern California with the goal of medaling in the 2012 London Games, cancer free.
MOST REQUESTED TOPICS:
Olympic Dream & Spirit
Overcoming Adversity
Follow Your Dream
Surviving Cancer
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 2008 Olympian
- Eleven-time All-American
- 2005 World University Games Double Gold Medalist (200 IM, 400 IM)
- US National Champion
- 2007 U.S. National Championship Silver Medalist - 200m Breaststroke & 200m IM
- 2007 U.S. National Championship Bronze Medalist - 100m Breaststroke & 400m IM
