“It’s insane” – Cancer survivor Max Parrot clinches snowboarding gold for Canada at Beijing Olympics
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Max Parrot
Canadian snowboarder Max Parrot, who beat cancer a few years ago to carry on with the sport, has just won the gold medal in the men’s slopestyle event at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
The 27-year-old fought off fierce challenges from local hero Su Yiming, who came second and compatriot Mark McMorris third, to finish at top of the podium. On the other hand, America’s former child prodigy and defending champion Red Gerard (gold medal winner at Pyeongchang 2018) could only manage fourth.
Notably, Parrot had won silver at the Pyeongchang 2018 but he was later forced to miss the 2018/9 season after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer. However, the Quebec native was back just weeks after completing a dozen rounds of chemotherapy and went on to win the X Games in Norway.
“Very special moment to remember for the rest of my life”
After that victory Parrot said: “It was a very special moment that I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It felt amazing to ride along with the other riders, who I hadn’t seen for months.
“Exactly three years ago I was lying in a hospital and I had no energy, no muscles, no cardio.”
“It was the hardest moment of my life and to be standing here three years later at the Olympics again, doing my passion, laying down the best run I’ve ever done and winning gold — it’s insane,” the Olympian added.
In a documentary about his battle against cancer Parrot had said: “I want to help as many people as possible to keep fighting cancer and any challenges in life.
“I just want to inspire people to know you can fight anything in life, any challenge.”
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