Kathleen Baker: Overcoming Crohn’s in Rio

by Brooke McBride

Kathleen Baker is only 19 years old and is already a silver medalist Olympic champ. That’s way more than most people her age can say, but she’s also dealing with a serious disease that would hold most people back and prevent them from going for their dreams, but not Kathleen. Kathleen suffers from Crohn’s disease, which is a bowl inflammatory condition that causes major fatigue, stomach pain, and other less than pleasant symptoms. It’s a common disease in the U.S., and while it is manageable, chronic symptoms drain you and weigh on your physical and mental health. It can be extremely difficult to continuously bounce back from symptoms and, depending on the severity of the disease, can also lead to ulcers, malnutrition, and other intense complications.

I’m always astounded when I watch the olympics and see so many people my age sacrificing and pushing themselves physically and mentally to achieve their goals. It blows my mind that people are able to do so much and overcome so many obstacles. Like everyone who loves the olympics, I love the athletes’ stories. When I was watching the 100-meter women’s backstroke this Olympic season, I couldn’t believe it when I heard Kathleen’s story. I was so inspired that she was able to get up everyday, regardless of her disease and push herself in practice. It’s hard to get to the level that Kathleen competes at as an athlete, but I imagine it’s even harder when you are fighting something so life-altering as Chron’s, especially when you’re only 19. The backstroke is one of the most difficult strokes in swimming and I was so happy to see that Kathleen won the Silver against fierce competitors.

Watching the olympians’ stories always inspire me and puts my life into perspective, but I was especially motivated hearing Kathleen’s because I have been dealing with a similar illness for the past year. While this hasn’t been easy on me, it’s not the worst thing someone could deal with. Knowing how taxing and draining and difficult to overcome these symptoms are, I was so proud of Kathleen for overcoming and being so open about what she’s been dealing with. It’s so important to remember that everyone is going through something, even if you can’t tell or they don’t show it. It is amazing to hear so many olympic stories, including Kathleen’s. These athletes, like Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first Muslim-American woman to wear a hijab in the Olympics, or Chris Mosier, the first transgender man to compete on the U.S. Team in the Olympics, are so inspiring! It just reminds us that, wow, if they could do it, I can too. Whatever your Olympics is, it is possible to get there.