I am always amazed and inspired by athletes who overcome chronic illness to achieve great things. I was always impressed by Jackie Joyner-Kersee, but only recently learned she suffered from asthma. Despite her asthma, she was one of the most dominant women in the history of women’s track and field winning 6 gold medals. Diagnosed at 18 while a freshman at UCLA, she initially, like many people with chronic illness, ignored signs and symptoms of the disease. Once treated and feeling better, she relaxed her treatment regimen and, at one point, had a nearly fatal asthma attack.

You can learn more about her accomplishments. She is just one of many very successful athletes with a history of asthma. With her Olympic career behind her, she now advocates for kids with asthma and attempts to increase awareness of the disease.

Photo (c) Getty Images

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