NRL legend Wally Lewis reveals devastating medical condition

In a heart-wrenching interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday night, NRL icon Wally Lewis, fondly known as “the King,” disclosed his battle with a devastating neurodegenerative condition, sending shockwaves through the sports community. Lewis, celebrated for his prowess in State of Origin matches and as a former captain of Australia, has been diagnosed with “probable CTE” – chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a form of dementia triggered by repeated mild traumatic brain injuries, common in contact sports like Rugby Union, Rugby League, and American Football.

During the interview, Lewis revealed his severe short-term memory loss, struggling to remember even the name of the condition afflicting him. His partner, Lynda Adams, had to remind him it was “probable CTE.” The condition can significantly impact memory, behaviour, and cognitive abilities, worsening over time and is particularly prevalent among retired athletes.

Describing a cognitive test, Lewis shared his struggles with memory retention. His neurologist, Dr. Rowena Mobbs, who expressed her 90% certainty of the CTE diagnosis based on various tests and the deterioration of Lewis’s memory, is also noticing an increasing number of former sportspeople with this condition.

While the only definitive CTE diagnosis comes post-mortem through brain tissue analysis, Lewis has decided to donate his brain for research to contribute to understanding and combating this heartbreaking disease. His hope is that by shedding light on the condition, more support can be offered to athletes facing similar challenges.

Wally Lewis was a beast….#beastmode #beast #legend #immortal #classic #king #nrl #rugbyleague pic.twitter.com/VRsMaYJZnm

— Rugby League Best Tries Hits and Biffs (@NBiffs) November 23, 2019

Despite the grim circumstances, Lewis emphasised that he has no regrets about his illustrious sports career. He cherished the opportunity to represent his country and wore his representative jerseys with immense pride, feeling “10-foot tall and bulletproof” on the field. Lewis stressed that athletes like him are not seeking sympathy but rather support as they confront the effects of their sporting careers.

The interview has sparked discussions about the long-term effects of head injuries in contact sports, prompting organisations like the NRL to reevaluate their head injury policies and procedures. As the sports community grapples with the heartbreaking news, Lewis’s bravery in sharing his journey and contributing to research offers a beacon of hope for a better understanding and management of neurodegenerative conditions in the future.

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9 months ago

Long live the King. Good luck Wally just another fight to win mate.

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