Former Australian rugby union player Wally Lewis is speaking bravely about his personal battle with a life-changing diagnosis of epilepsy. Discover his inspirational journey and resilience in the face of adversity. Stay informed about the latest happenings, discover intriguing facts and gain valuable insights through interesting and informative general articles on Fresherslive!
Who is Wally Lewis?
Walter James Lewis AM, born 1 December 1959, is an Australian former rugby league footballer who had a distinguished career spanning the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Later in the same decades, he moved into coaching and eventually became a well-known rugby league television commentator.
As the respected captain of the Australian national team, Lewis is widely regarded as one of the all-time greatest players in rugby league history. His exceptional playing and coaching performances are followed by a successful career as a sports presenter for the Nine Network.
Affectionately nicknamed “The King” and also referred to as “The King of Lang Park”, Lewis left an indelible mark on the sport. He represented Queensland in an impressive thirty-one State of Origin matches from 1980 to 1991, leading the team in thirty matches as captain.
His influence extended to the international scene, representing Australia in thirty-three games from 1981 to 1991 and serving as captain of the national team from 1984 to 1989. Lewis gained particular fame for his outstanding performances in the State of Origin series, playing a key role dominating Queensland throughout the 1980s and earning a record eight man of the match awards.
Lewis’ outstanding contribution to rugby league has earned him prestigious accolades. He was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame and was honored as the sixth member of the ‘Immortals’ in 1999. For his significant role in improving Australia’s position in international rugby league, he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
Recognized as one of the greatest players in Australian rugby league, Lewis was named in the country’s top 100 players (1908–2007) in February 2008 as part of the NRL and ARL centenary celebrations. He was also named in half of the Kangaroos’ team of the century, a testament to his lasting impact on the sport.
Further accolades followed, with his selection as a five-man and captain in the Queensland Rugby League Team of the Century in June 2008. In recognition of his immense contribution to Australian sport, he was awarded the prestigious title of 38th Legend of Australian Sport at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Awards in October 2016
Amidst the 2009 Q150 celebrations, Wally Lewis was proudly announced as one of Queensland’s Q150 icons, recognized as a “sporting legend” for his outstanding achievements. In 2011, he received the Queensland Greats Awards, further cementing his status as a respected figure in Queensland and Australian sporting history.
Wally Lewis Disease
In 2020, Wally Lewis bravely shared his personal struggle with a devastating diagnosis of epilepsy, which had a profound impact on his life and career. News of his condition broke when he suffered a distressing episode on air while appearing on Nine News.
A diagnosis of epilepsy was an unexpected life-changing event for the rugby league legend. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The condition can vary in severity, and individuals can experience different types of seizures.
During a live broadcast on Nine News, Lewis suffered a seizure, causing him to collapse on air. The incident shocked both the spectators and his colleagues, who immediately came to his aid. This incident prompted Lewis to seek medical attention and later led to the discovery of his diagnosis of epilepsy.
As a prominent sports presenter and highly respected figure in the rugby league community, Lewis’ openness about his condition has been met with an outpouring of support and sympathy from fans and other sporting figures. His willingness to share his journey with epilepsy has raised awareness of the condition and highlighted the importance of understanding and supporting people living with neurological disorders.
After his diagnosis, Lewis underwent a thorough medical evaluation and treatment to treat his epilepsy. Treatment for epilepsy often involves a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular medical check-ups. The goal is to minimize the frequency and intensity of seizures and enable individuals to lead fulfilling and active lives.
Lewis’ revelation of his epilepsy diagnosis showed his resilience and determination to continue his work despite challenges with his health. By deciding to continue his career as a sports presenter after the incident, he showed his commitment to the profession he loves.
By sharing his story, Lewis has become an inspiration to others living with epilepsy, showing that a diagnosis does not define a person’s abilities or limit their potential. His openness and willingness to talk about his experiences has helped break down the stigma surrounding epilepsy and sparked conversations about neurological health.
With his public announcement, Lewis also highlighted the importance of promoting understanding and empathy for individuals who may be living with invisible health conditions. His bravery in facing and overcoming challenges in the public eye further cemented his status as not only a rugby league icon, but also a role model for resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Wally Lewis’ decision to open up about his epilepsy diagnosis was a testament to his strength of character and a reminder that regardless of fame or success, we all face our own battles. His story serves as an inspiration to others to speak openly about their health problems and seek the support they need. By sharing his journey, Lewis has undoubtedly made a lasting impact, both in the world of sport and in raising awareness of epilepsy and neurological health.
What disease does Wally Lewis have?
Wally Lewis has bravely shared his personal struggle with a devastating diagnosis of epilepsy, which had a profound impact on his life and career. In a candid revelation, Wally Lewis, celebrated Queensland rugby league legend and 9News sports presenter, has revealed a secret health battle that left his eyesight compromised by a number of undiagnosed conditions. At first, he attributed the symptoms of blurred vision and increasingly frequent headaches to common migraines, unaware of their seriousness.
As the pain intensified to unprecedented levels, Lewis chose not to complain or express vulnerability, describing his attempt to “not be sook.” This stoic approach, often seen as a display of toughness and resilience, is characteristic of many athletes and public figures who may downplay their concern for health.
However, as the symptoms persisted and worsened, Lewis realized he needed to take his health seriously and sought medical attention. This decision proved crucial as it led to the discovery of numerous undiagnosed conditions that affected his vision and well-being.
A prolonged period of blurred vision and headaches caused concern among Lewis’ colleagues, viewers and fans. His decision to share his health journey highlighted the importance of seeking professional medical advice, even when experiencing seemingly minor health issues. Lewis’ experience serves as a reminder that ignoring or dismissing persistent symptoms can have serious consequences.
After undergoing thorough medical evaluations, Lewis received appropriate treatment and care for his medical condition. The care he received helped prevent potential long-term consequences, including the risk of vision loss.
How old is Wally Lewis?
As of the current date, Wally Lewis is 63 years old. Born on December 1, 1959, he reached a significant milestone in his life and illustrious career as a rugby league legend and sports presenter.
Throughout his journey in rugby league and the media, Wally Lewis has left an indelible mark on the sport and the hearts of fans. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in rugby league history, having represented Queensland in thirty-one State of Origin matches and Australia in thirty-three international matches.
Partner Wally Lewis
Wally Lewis married Jacqueline in a beautiful ceremony at St John’s Cathedral in Brisbane. However, after many years together, they decided to separate in 2021. During their marriage, they were blessed with two sons and one daughter: Mitchell, Lincoln and Jamie-Lee.
Wally’s son, Lincoln, continued his acting career and became a regular on the Seven Network’s television drama, Home and Away. He achieved recognition for his talent, winning the TV Week Logie Award for Best Male New Talent. Mitchell, his second son, took the sports reporting route and is currently a host at Nova 106.9, serving as the station’s sports reporter and associate producer on the Ash, Kip, Luttsy & Susie breakfast show.
Their daughter, Jamie-Lee, was born profoundly deaf, and the family received confirmation of this on the day of the final State of Origin game in 1991. This life-changing event led to Wally’s decision to retire from Origin football after the game.
Despite the challenges, Jamie-Lee became a successful water polo player, winning a scholarship to the Queensland Academy of Sport and representing Australia in the national hearing team. It was especially highlighted that he is the first deaf person in the world to represent the national hearing team of his country.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education