Winning the Grand National after cancer
Bob Champion is a fitting name for the person himself; he won a championship in jump horse racing and accomplished that after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. Bob had dreamed of winning the World Series of jump racing, the Grand National since he was a kid. Unfortunately, that dream looked unlikely after the cancer diagnosis in 1979 at 31.
He would undergo surgery and chemotherapy to get rid of the cancer. After a tough road, Bob would get to race again in 1981 with his horse Aldaniti. The horse also has its own underdog story; it showed great promise in its first few years before succumbing to a leg injury. At one point, doctors thought the horse couldn't race again.
In 1981, the two of them would win the Swinley Chase, showing that they were back. They were the second favorite entering the 1981 Grand National with that performance. Bob and Aldaniti would go on to write the fairy tale ending, winning the Grand National.
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Quotes
The vets wanted to put him down but they must have listened to me when I said he would win the National one day.
Bob Champion
It was a race I always wanted to win. When I was in hospital some days having chemotherapy, I felt like giving up,...But I kept giving myself goals and thought hopefully I would get back and ride in a National.
Bob Champion
I had testicular cancer and was told I had a 35-40% chance of living. I thought it was a death sentence. Now the chances are 95% if it's caught early enough.
Bob Champion
Related Media
Champions
Based on the true story of Bob Champion
Champion's story: A great human triumph
An autobiographical retelling of his story by Bob Champion and his friend, Jonathan Powell
References
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Bob Champion: From surviving cancer to winning the Grand National
Champion reached that pinnacle 40 years ago with Aldaniti. Against all odds, both of them won when it almost seemed like it was never going to happen. That’s the extrodinary power of the National.
Sports Gazette
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40 years on: The Aldaniti Grand National story
Bob had beaten cancer and his big‐race mount had recovered from a leg injury so severe the vets thought his racing days were finished. Together they conquered the fearsome fences for the most emotional victory any racecourse is ever likely to see. It was so remarkable a film was made of their triumph over adversity.
Great British Racing
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BBC Sports Personality: Bob Champion wins Helen Rollason award
Champion fought cancer to win the world's most famous steeplechase at Aintree on his injury-plagued mount in 1981, and has been a tireless fundraiser ever since.
BBC
