Elena Semechin continues to defy fate. © Social Media

Title after cancer: Para-swimmer wins World Cup gold

Para-swimmer Elena Semechin from Germany has won her first major title after battling cancer.

August 03, 2023

From: dpa

The 29-year-old won gold in the 100 meter breaststroke at the World Championships in Manchester. The 2021 Paralympic champion was the first to hit the mark after 1:13,13 minutes. “I was hoping for it to be a little quicker. But I'm still happy that I became world champion again this year. “It’s a big relief now,” said the visually impaired Berliner, who had already won the World Cup title in 2013 and 2019 on her parade route.

Shortly after winning the gold medal in Tokyo, Semechin – then under her maiden name Krawzow – was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. After a successful operation in November 2021, chemotherapy followed. She finished this in February and then prepared for the competitions. The para-athlete admitted that it was “difficult” to find the balance between training and rest periods, “especially now after chemo. But I think over time I'll learn to deal with it more and more. I think that only makes me stronger."

Semechin doesn't give up

Her health is good, but she wants to deal with the illness realistically. “I didn’t beat cancer. I've appeased the cancer for now, but sooner or later it will come back. But I am still motivated and positive and am continuing on my path with full joy,” the Kazakh-born woman told the German Press Agency at the end of April.