(Japan News/ANN) - Teen star swimmer Rikako Ikee revealed Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with leukemia.
“I can’t even believe it myself and am confused,” the 18-year-old Ikee said on Twitter. “I will take some rest for now to focus on my medical treatment. And I want to do my best to show a stronger Rikako Ikee as soon as possible.”
Ikee also said she would not participate in the national championships in April this year.
In April last year, Ikee raised her profile by finishing the national championships with victories in four events, including the women’s 100-meter freestyle, all in Japan-record times. In September that year, she was named MVP at the Asian Games in Jakarta after winning six gold medals, making her a gold hopeful for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
