Overcoming the Odds

Eric Shanteau is perhaps the most courageous active swimmer in America. Diagnosed with testicular cancer one week before the Olympic trials in 2008, Shanteau still qualified for the team in the 200 breaststroke and swam in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, managing best times. He is a multiple World Championship medalist and American record holder in the 200m breaststroke, and, most importantly, now cancer-free.

Battling Adversity

Eric Shanteau has known adversity. At the 2004 Olympic trials in Long Beach, California, Shanteau barely missed the Olympic team, finishing third in two events – the 400 IM and 200 breaststroke. Determined to keep going, Shantaeu returned to the pool. Training in Austin, Texas under coach Eddie Reese, he entered 2008 with new motivation, but found a new and bigger obstacle. One week before the Olympic trials, Shanteau was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He still chose to compete in the meet and decided not to tell anyone – even teammates – about his diagnosis. Then, he qualified for the games, and had to make a choice: compete in the Olympics – a dream come true for any swimmer, especially for Shanteau after just missing the team in 2004 – or begin the process to battle cancer? Shanteau, admirably, chose to compete.

“Cancer Can Wait”

At the 2008 Olympics, Shanteau became an inspiration to not just sports fans, but everyone for his courage battling cancer while competing in the Olympic Games. While he didn’t reach the final in the 200 breaststroke – he missed by just a few tenths of a second – he still managed a best time. His performance, determination, and heart earned him the 2008 Golden Goggle Perseverance Award. After the Olympics, Shanteau underwent surgery and is now cancer-free and back in the pool.

Better Than Ever

In 2009, Shanteau has catapulted himself as America’s best breaststroker. At the 2009 World Championships, Shanteau won silver and set an American record in the 200m breaststroke, and added a bronze medal in the 200m IM. Shanteau got a taste of the gold medal podium, earning a world record and a world title as part of the 400 medley relay. Shanteau is back in Austin, Texas, training for 2010 and beyond. He is also a spokesperson raising awareness about cancer.

Olympian (2008)

3 World Medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze)
2009 World Championships (Rome)
GOLD
400m Medley Relay
SILVER
200m Backstroke
BRONZE
200m IM

Current World Records
400m Medley Relay - 3:27.28 (2009 World Championship, Rome)