Olympians living with CHD

By: |Published on: Feb 17, 2026|Categories: CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE, LATEST NEWS|

If you’re anything like us, you’ve been hooked on the halfpipe and swooning over the skaters while watching the 2026 Winter Olympics.

With this year’s games taking place in Milano Cortina, we wanted to take a moment to highlight Olympians past and present who were born with congenital heart defects and still reached the highest levels of sport.

Their stories show that CHD can be part of your history without always limiting your future and so we wanted our families to be able to spot a fellow famous heart warrior out on the slopes!

Shaun is smiling, holding a USA flag behind him and a snowboard is propped up in his left hand. He is on the podium about to receive an olympic medal. He is wearing an Olympics tabbard, PyeongChang 2018

Shaun White
Snowboarding

Shaun White was born with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and underwent open heart surgeries during infancy.

Despite that tough beginning, he went on to become one of the most decorated snowboarders in Olympic history. He is a five-time Olympian and a three-time Olympic gold medalist in half-pipe snowboarding.

Lauren playing football. She is on the pitch in an all blue kit. She is running.

Lauren Holiday (née. Cheney)
Football

Lauren had open heart surgery at the age of three to repair an atrial septal defect (ASD). She later represented the United States women’s team, playing midfield and forward.

Lauren is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and FIFA Women’s World Cup champion.

Alfie playing tennis, wearing a white and blue tshirt. He is mid-swing.

Alfie Hewett
Wheelchair Tennis

Alfie is one of Britain’s most successful Paralympians and the current World No. 1 in wheelchair tennis singles and doubles. He was born with Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) and underwent open heart surgery at just six months old. He has since gone on to earn multiple Grand Slam titles and three Paralympic silver medals. Alfie was warded an OBE in 2023 for his services to tennis.

Nwankwo playing for Arsenal in the 90s. He is looking at the crowd after scoring a goal, with both his arms raised. He is wearing the Dreamcast Arsenal shirt in red.

Nwankwo Kanu
Football

Kanu, a celebrated Nigerian footballer and Olympic Gold medallist, was born with a congenital issue affecting his aortic valve and eventually required corrective heart surgery. During his club career, he became a familiar face in the Premier League, playing for Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion, and Portsmouth. He has since used his platform – including the Kanu Heart Foundation – to support children living with CHD.

Roger is grinning. He is wearing a Team GB tracksuit and is holding up a medal after winning at the olympics in Atlanta

Roger Black MBE
Athletics

Roger has spoken openly about living with a bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital condition affecting roughly 1 in 50 people, and later needing open heart surgery. Despite this, he built an exceptional Olympic career as part of Team GB, winning silver medal in the 400 metres sprint.

He also has incredible achievements at the European and World Championships.

Dana is standing in a swimsuit with her hands on her hips, wearing 7 medals around her neck. The phot is dark, and she is lit from above creating a moody atmosphere. There is an american flag in the background. She looks strong.

Dana Vollmer
Swimming

Dana was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome at the age of 14. After undergoing an ablation procedure, she always trained and competed with an external defibrillator (AED) close by.

She went on to claim multiple Olympic medals, becoming one of the sport’s standout figures and a true inspiration to so many.

These athletes demonstrate to heart warriors everywhere that a diagnosis doesn’t always have to define your pathway – and that drive, courage and belief can lead to remarkable achievements.

Stories like these remind us why our work at CHSF is vital and it matters. With world-class care and awesome support behind them, children with CHD can grow up to shape their own futures in incredible ways.

Support local heart warriors and their families by making a donation today. Empowered lives, because of you.

Give now
Trustee Week: Introducing Ryan Wilkinson

Trustee Week: Introducing Ryan Wilkinson

Your name: Ryan Wilkinson Occupation: Tax Director @ BHP, Chartered AccountantsTell me about your heart hero: "My heart hero is Vinnie (my son) who is now aged 4 who was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Thankfully the condition is managed with medication, and no...

Trustee Week: Introducing Sophie Dunn

Trustee Week: Introducing Sophie Dunn

Your name: Sophie Dunn Occupation: Director of Sales, The MotoristTell us about your heart hero: "My son Leo is 4 years & 3 months and was diagnosed with Tetralogy of Fallot, with an additional VSD. Leo had his repair surgery just 11 days before his 1st Birthday....

Support for families: October 2025

Support for families: October 2025

“I was most supported whilst we were in hospital and I was away from all my family alone. I remember having visits at the side of the bed and a friendly face to talk to as well as wellbeing trolleys etc!”” - heart mumDuring the month of October... 12 referrals...

BACK TO HOME