Of course, there?s no age to make good friends but to still have that one friend whom you have known since you didn?t even know the meaning of the word ?friendship? is the most special thing in the world. Olympian Mikaela Shiffrin and Paralympian Thomas Walsh share one such bond that goes back to their kindergarten days together.
Olympian @MikaelaShiffrin and Paralympian @twalnutz have been friends since kindergarten. ? pic.twitter.com/NcW4tmm8ir
? NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) March 8, 2022
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The two-time Olympic gold medalist has been there for her friend Thomas Walsh through all his life challenges and probably she is the only one who knows him better than anyone else. The 27-year-old American skier Thomas will compete in his second Paralympics in Beijing and he will eye for his first Paralympic medal.
Mikaela Shiffrin talks about Thomas Walsh?s journey to the Paralympics
At 14, Thomas was diagnosed with Ewing?s Sarcoma, cancer related to bones. For Mikaela, it was the most devastating news ever. She said, ?It was the biggest whiplash, the most unexpected thing I have ever experienced second-hand. It was just unfathomable.? However, as a true friend, she was always around to support him and motivate him through his treatment.
Read more about Thomas Walsh, the role Mikaela Shiffrin’s late father Jeff played in his fight against cancer, and how the two lifelong friends stay in touch.https://t.co/gVD5XLqX0a
? Olympics (@Olympics) March 5, 2022
Seeing her childhood friend going through all that made her realize how strong he was, even as a teenager. Mikaela further added,??How he?s fought back since then has been really inspiring.”
“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.?
Thomas Walsh para skiing career
Thomas has two medals in World Para Alpine Skiing Championship under his name and he has also won a prestigious Crystal Globe in slalom. Making his second appearance in the Paralympics, he is a strong contender for a podium position. However, he is yet to add a Paralympic medal to his career highlights.
After everything Thomas Walsh has gone through and still being able to represent America at the Paralympics has been quite a journey for him. The champion suffered quite a disappointment at the Pyeongchang Paralympics because of the injury, but the Beijing Winter Paralympics is the perfect stage for him to give his career-best performance.
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Can he win his place at the podium this time?
