Straightened Bent Back... 'Incurable Disease' Lee Bong-ju "I Will Definitely Show Running Appearance"

"Has recovered a lot and is continuing rehabilitation therapy"

Former Korea Athletics Federation director and "National Marathoner" Lee Bong-ju, who underwent surgery for spinocerebellar degeneration (cerebellar atrophy), is reported to have regained his health through rehabilitation treatment. Spinocerebellar degeneration is a rare and intractable disease characterized by degenerative changes in the cerebellum.

Marathoner Lee Bong-ju / Photo by YTN Newsrider Capture

On the 4th, Lee appeared on YTN's "News Rider" and shared an update on his health condition. He said, "I have recovered a lot of my health and am continuing rehabilitation treatment," adding, "I believe I will soon regain a healthy appearance."

He continued, "My abdomen had hardened and my back was bent forward regardless of my will. Although I underwent surgery, it did not have a significant effect," and added, "I tried various methods, but rehabilitation treatment was the most effective."

Lee Bong-ju, former director of the Korea Association of Athletics Federations Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding his feelings when first diagnosed with spinocerebellar degeneration, he said, "I thought I was healthier than anyone else, but as my body deteriorated, I became very discouraged," yet added, "By accepting it positively, I think I am gradually improving."

He expressed gratitude to his family and the public who supported him until the end. Lee Bong-ju said, "The support from my family was the greatest, and everyone I met was the first to worry about my health, which gave me strength."

He also mentioned that he recently resumed volunteer activities, saying, "I formed a group with people who love marathons to join forces in helping neighbors in need. Volunteering with the members also gives me great strength."

He added, "When I was sick, my dream was to run on the track or outside even for an hour. That day will come soon," and expressed his determination, "This year, I definitely want to recover my health and show you myself running."

Meanwhile, Lee is regarded as a legend among domestic marathoners, having swept awards at various world marathon competitions. He won the silver medal in the marathon at the 26th Atlanta Olympics in 1996 and the gold medal in the marathon at the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games. He retired after winning the 2001 Boston Marathon, among other achievements.

Lee was diagnosed with spinocerebellar degeneration in 2020. A year later, in June 2021, he underwent a 6-hour and 30-minute surgery at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital to remove a "spinal arachnoid cyst" located between the 6th and 7th thoracic vertebrae. In the same year, photos showing him in a wheelchair with a bent back were released, revealing his battle with the disease to the public.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.