Brazilian fencer Nathalie Moellhausen collapses mid‑competition, reveals tumour
It was a dramatic bout for épée fencer Nathalie Moellhausen at the Olympic Games in Paris. The representative of Brazil and two-time world champion is battling a tumour. Moellhausen fainted during her match against the Canadian representative.
Athletes at the Olympic Games have to contend with the competition and their health and stamina. The 38-year-old Brazilian's first bout at the Games was evidence of this. The épée fencer lost consciousness in the third round.
The athlete's team rushed to her aid, sitting her on a chair and providing support. The 38-year-old felt awful but decided to return to the match. She eventually lost to the Canadian, Ruien Xiao, at 11:15.
The fencer later gave an interview to a television station. She admitted that the pain she felt was immense and seemed unbearable.
I felt that my body couldn't move, and I was only entitled to a 5-minute break. Finishing the bout seemed impossible - she admitted.
Olympics 2024. She told journalists that she has a tumour
When pressed by journalists, Moellhausen revealed that she has a tumour on her coccyx and that she has known about it since February. However, she did not opt for surgery to remove it, as doctors informed her that the tumour was benign. The épée fencer did not expect that the tumour could cause such unbearable pain.
Nathalie Moellhausen was very keen to participate in the Olympic Games for the fourth time. However, her first bout was her last in this competition. She had to prioritise her health, and on Monday, July 29th, she had surgery to remove the tumour. She now has to undergo at least a month of recovery.
