Illness halts Navratilova's Kilimanjaro climb

Geza Ulole · 2010-12-11T17:35:55+00:00

* Tennis great says "disappointed" not to reach summit * Doctor says Navratilova to make full recovery NAIROBI, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Martina Navratilova said on Friday illness has cut short her attempt to climb Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro on the fourth day of a six-day climb to the summit of Africa's tallest mountain. The 53-year-old, one of the greats of women's tennis, started her climb on Monday, but suffered high altitude pulmonary oedema -- an accumulation of fluid in the lungs -- and was flown to hospital in Kenya's capital Nairobi. Her doctor said she was expected to recover fully. "I'm disappointed not to be able to complete this amazing journey. It was something that I have wanted to do for so long, but it was not to be," she said in a statement. "I am so pleased that we got it going and I will be watching and waiting for news from the climb when they reach the summit tomorrow (Saturday)." The Czech-born star, who became a U.S. citizen in 1981, was leading a team of 27 climbers to raise funds for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation charity. Navratilova, winner of 18 grand slam singles crowns, was diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer early this year. She was later pronounced cancer free following a lumpectomy and radiation treatment. On Nov. 10 she scaled 55 stories to the top of a city skyscraper in New York to promote her climb of Kilimanjaro, the world's highest free-standing mountain at 19,340 feet. Navratilova is a member of the Laureus World Sports Academy, an association of 46 of the greatest living sporting legends who volunteer their time to use sport to combat some of the world's toughest social challenges facing young people today such as HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, crime and violence. Since its inception Laureus has raised over $50 million and supports almost 80 sports-based projects around the world. (Reporting by James Macharia) That is what annoys me most! sending people to Nairobi; Hivi Mkwere anashindwa kabisa kujenga a state of the Art hospital (International Accredited; ISO certified) lets say in Bagamoyo at a cost of $ 60 mio. equiv. to the Nation stadium itakayoweza kutibu magonjwa yotee? Hata jina tuitaiita JK na thawabu atapata! Hivi Tourism ni mbuga tu? how about Medical Tourism?

Thread starter Geza Ulole
Start date Dec 11, 2010

Geza Ulole

JamiiForums uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.

Accept Learn more…

Back

Top Bottom

Forums

New posts

Illness halts Navratilova's Kilimanjaro climb

Geza Ulole

JF-Expert Member

Our Community

Regional Communities