Hi Everyone,
I’m sharing a deeply personal story today – one about my journey as a Winter Olympian and my fight against Parkinson’s disease, a journey marked by an unyielding commitment to my country, family, and community.
As many of you know, I am a two-time Winter Olympian from Peru. I had the honor of competing in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, making history as the first royal in this prestigious event. But behind the thrill of competition, a silent and formidable adversary was emerging slowly.
In 2011, shortly after my first Olympics, I began experiencing unexplained symptoms. From muscle stiffness to chronic fatigue, insomnia, and a loss of smell, my health seemed to be spiraling out of control. Joint pain and numbness in my hands and feet were constant, accompanied by dizzy spells when standing up after sitting or lying down.
One incident still stands vivid in my memory. During a routine cross-country skiing workout, my back seized up within minutes, and I was swamped by an unrelenting wave of exhaustion. It happened every time that I raised my heart rate to high-intensity levels. I had to learn to live with these mysterious ailments, finding ways to manage them through dietary adjustments and modifying my workout intensity.
Despite these battles, I remained committed to my sport. My drive to represent Peru, the love for my wife and daughter, and my dedication to my community gave me the strength to persist. This perseverance led me to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics – a feat that filled me with great pride but also marked one of the most challenging experiences of my life, as I was unknowingly competing with Parkinson’s disease.
The years following the Olympics brought worsening symptoms, including tremors on my right side. Despite numerous consultations with a host of medical specialists, it wasn’t until 2019 that I received a definitive diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease. The diagnosis, while alarming, offered some clarity after years of uncertainty.
I’ve faced my Parkinson’s diagnosis with the same resilience and dedication that carried me through my Olympic journey. I’ve continued to fulfill my roles as an Olympian, a husband, a father, and a member of my community, even when faced with the daunting challenges that Parkinson’s disease brings.
In sharing my story, I hope to offer comfort and inspire those facing similar health struggles. Whether it’s battling a chronic illness like Parkinson’s disease, dealing with mysterious health symptoms, or navigating personal struggles, remember that you are not alone. Even amidst adversity, it’s possible to honor your commitments and achieve greatness.
I’ll continue to share more about my ongoing journey with Parkinson’s disease, providing insights into managing symptoms, maintaining commitments, and finding a balance in life.
Thank you for reading, and remember to stay strong,
Roberto
Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, Winter Olympics, chronic illness, health symptoms, managing Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s journey, Olympian with Parkinson’s.
The last race 