Matthew Glaetzer met with outpouring of support from international cycling family after cancer diagnosis
Great Britain and Australia are the fiercest of rivals on the track — but that’s all been put aside after Matthew Glaetzer’s cancer diagnosis triggered an outpouring of international support.
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The international cycling family has rallied around Australian sprinter Matthew Glaetzer after he revealed he had undergone surgery for thyroid cancer last week.
Teammates and rivals - including Great Britain’s most decorated Olympian Sir Chris Hoy - posted messages of support on social media after Glaetzer went public about his cancer diagnosis in the Sunday Mail.
The 27-year-old multiple world champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on October 25 and had surgery last Monday.
He hopes to be back on his bike within weeks and race at two world cups in New Zealand and Brisbane in December and hasn’t given up on his dream of a third Olympics in Tokyo next year.
He does not require chemotherapy but will start a course of radioactive iodine tablets in about six weeks.
Hoy, a six-time Olympic champion and 11-time world champion sprinter, posted on Twitter:
“Sending @matthewglaetzer strength. You’ll get through this mate.”
Retired Kiwi professional cyclist Greg Henderson added:
“Best wishes to this absolute weapon. Such a scary story to wake up and read. Best of luck with the recovery.”
Rival sprint coach from Great Britain Justin Grace said:
“He’s known as one of the big, strong men of track cycling. I felt a knot in my stomach reading the news this morning. I wish you a speedy and painless recovery.”
Support also came from Glaetzer’s teammates including SA-based sprinters Stephanie Morton, Caitlin Ward and Holly Takos.
“Few people could take such horrendous news in their stride, your fighting spirit and calm nature is inspirational Matty. I’m so proud and lucky to be your teammie and your friend,” Ward wrote.
“So proud of @matthewglaetzer. His strength, determination and positive outlook is truly inspiring,” Morton said.
“Backing you all the way Matty,” Takos wrote.
Glaetzer said the support of his team in recent weeks had been heartening as he plans a return to training.
“It wasn’t easy telling my teammates but it was necessary,” he said.
“Through that process it was hard for me to keep it to myself, I shared the information with my immediate teammates and core staff so they were aware and that would help me if I got upset, or they saw something a bit unusual throughout the normal training day then they would know why.
“I’m really grateful for them to take this on board and the support network I’ve got is incredible. The coaches, the medical staff, my church community, they’ve all supported me through the process.”
reece.homfray@news.com.au
Originally published as Matthew Glaetzer met with outpouring of support from international cycling family after cancer diagnosis