Walsh was 14 years old when he was diagnosed with a form of cancer called ‘Ewing's sarcoma’. It grows typically in and around bones. During this period, childhood friend Mikaela Shiffrin was supporting him throughout. The Double Olympic champion even promised to go to his prom with him after he recovered.
“It was almost a miracle that he survived but, in a way, it wasn’t a miracle at all because knowing who he is, that’s the kind of thing I would expect from him.”
The two families were heavily involved in the ski scene in the famous resort. Both progressed to be substantial teenage talents so, when Shiffrin received the news that Walsh’s life was under threat, she was shook. Mikaela's father Jeff, was one of Walsh’s anaesthetists.
“He was in the surgical room during probably my biggest operation. He really took extra time to make sure that I was OK, and getting the care and treatment that I needed.”
Thomas Walsh Concluded
“We’re both on the road in separate places, in different time zones, in different countries and continents. But, because I love skiing, and I know she loves skiing, we're always watching each other's results and supporting each other and sending each other positive messages.”