From a young age, Maarten van der Weijden from the Netherlands was known as a promising swimming talent.

However, before his career could begin he faced a challenge that could have ended it all.

At only 19 years old Maarten was diagnosed with cancer.

But the resilient swimmer beat cancer and 7 years later he became a gold medalist at the Olympic Games in 2008 Beijing.




https://www.boredpanda.com/olympic-medalist-cancer-survivor-swimming-200km-maarten-van-der-weijden/?_e_pi_=7%2CPAGE_ID10%2C7853301666

Most athletes are known for pushing themselves to thelimits and Maarten is no exception.

Recently the swimmer attempted to swim the entire 200 kilometers (120 mi) long track of the Elfstedentocht in the Netherlands.

The sole reason behind the event was to raise funds for cancer research, a cause close to Maarten’s heart.

The swim was scheduled to take 3 days, including very short naps to rest.

However, as Maarten swam further he fell ill and the water was deemed too polluted for him to continue.

He had managed to swim a distance of 163 kilometers in 55 hours.

His hands and feet after 55 hours in the water.
Lalasticlala Mynd44

Subhanalah.

The fundraising campaign was a huge success.

The swimmer raised a stunning sum of more than ₦1.4Billion.

Frostbite will takeover this one. Though he's a very strong man compared to our president who has been travelling to England for the past 4 years just to treat ear infection.

But Between Cancer, Gonorrhea and HIV which do you prefer? Like for cancer , share for HIV, ignore for Gonorrhea.

At the poster below, do I look like your fathers mate?

Is the poster above stupid ni

When the cancer that was supposed to kill you took pity on you... You are now using your own hands to be calling death by swimming 55hrs

Why are oyibo pple like this na

zinnyzee:
When the cancer that was supposed to kill you took pity on you... You are now using your own hands to be calling death by swimming 55hrs

Why are oyibo pple like this na

did he die?

KendrickAyomide:


did he die?

Till he die ba?

zinnyzee:
Till he die ba?

you are still a small Girl. you won't understand even if i explain

ChiefAzubuike:
Frostbite will takeover this one. Though he's a very strong man compared to our president who has been travelling to England for the past 4 years just to treat ear infection.

But Between Cancer, Gonorrhea and HIV which do you prefer? Like for cancer , share for HIV, ignore for Gonorrhea.

those are the list of diseases you have na.

KendrickAyomide:
you are still a small Girl. you won't understand even if i explain

Oya explain, daddy

zinnyzee:
When the cancer that was supposed to kill you took pity on you... You are now using your own hands to be calling death by swimming 55hrs

Why are oyibo pple like this na

...didn't you see where they said proceeds from the awareness will be spent on cancer research which will help him and others with cancer

dhebo:
...didn't you see where they said proceeds from the awareness will be spent on cancer research which will help him and others with cancer

must it now be him that will do it?

zinnyzee:
must it now be him that will do it?

...hahaha..you be comedian..... who else will raise better awareness than a cancer survivor and also an Olympics medalist?.. Please tell me

dhebo:
...hahaha..you be comedian..... who else will raise better awareness than a cancer survivor and also an Olympics medalist?.. Please tell me

I still don't think he should be the one to do it.

He looks so sickly

zinnyzee:
I still don't think he should be the one to do it.

He looks so sickly

...OK

ChiefAzubuike:
Frostbite will takeover this one. Though he's a very strong man compared to our president who has been travelling to England for the past 4 years just to treat ear infection.

But Between Cancer, Gonorrhea and HIV which do you prefer? Like for cancer , share for HIV, ignore for Gonorrhea.

everybody go ignore you lol

Na him somebody trek go him house less than 800 meter come dey demand Accolades
After wasting n lavishing a state's resources on his seemingly terminal disease

Wrinkled toes? How come Jack didn't just swim like this guy

I really love the resilience put together by this wonderful guy. He has really done what a great Napoleon could not do. He did it for himself and others. This what I call "LOVE", doing things at your detrimental way..

zinnyzee:
Oya explain, daddy

Lil mama

..

Explorers:
The swim was scheduled to take 3 days, including very short naps to rest.

However, as Maarten swam further he fell ill and the water was deemed too polluted for him to continue.

He had managed to swim a distance of 163 kilometers in 55 hours.

This is the true meaning of giving....