TOKYO-2016 Editorial / sports

Heptathlon and cancer

  • Prize
    Silver in Editorial/sports
  • Photographer
    Peter Holgersson

Heptathlon athlete Nadja Casadei participated in both World and European Championships in athletics, before being diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, in the summer of 2013. Casadei was determined to continue her athletic career, and kept up a training regime throughout her treatment for the disease. The heptathlon is a grueling two-day event that includes hurdles, high jump, long jump, shot put, javelin, and both 200m and 800m running. Casadei kept up her regime and her spirits during her period of chemotherapy, and declared her intention to try getting back in the Swedish track & field team.