Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024

News | BWF World Championships

Mark Caljouw: A Triumph Over Adversity

Mark Caljouw, a badminton player who struggled with a heart condition for the past two years, has emerged stronger and more determined after undergoing surgery. Afflicted with atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by an abnormally high heart rate, Caljouw opted for surgery following the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The procedure was minor, and he made a full recovery within two weeks.

Caljouw made his comeback at the YONEX French Open but was unable to complete his first-round match. However, on the opening day of the TotalEnergies BWF World Championships 2021, he showcased his tenacity against Sai Praneeth in a match that lasted over an hour. Praneeth was left feeling nauseous from Caljouw’s relentless play, marking a significant milestone in his journey to recovery.

Mark Caljouw in action against Sai Praneeth

Reflecting on his performance, Caljouw expressed his surprise at his current form and newfound confidence. He stated, “I’m extremely happy that I could play without pain. I had a heart surgery, then I got an injury in my back, so it took a while to recover, but everything is good now. I’m feeling good, not in the best shape of my life, but this shows me that I’m a real fighter. It’s a good first round, now I have a couple of days to recover.”

Caljouw revealed that his heart condition had primarily affected him during training and matches, especially in intense situations. The surgery involved burning a section of heart muscle to regulate the abnormal electrical activity responsible for the excessive heart rate.

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He further explained, “Sometimes my heart rate used to go crazy high, like 240-250 sometimes. So we know that was a problem. It was sometimes crazy because when my heart rate goes that high, I get a bit dizzy, and people close to me know exactly when it happened. After the Olympics, I had the surgery done and recovered for two weeks.”

Caljouw at Tokyo 2020

With the heart condition now resolved, Caljouw looks forward to a fresh start in his career. He emphasized that despite the challenges he faced, he has always been a determined fighter on the court. The surgery has provided him with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

“It’s a bit of a fresh start. I think I’m still the same Mark as before, I fight for everything, but I think this helps me in my career,” Caljouw remarked.

FAQs

Q: How did Mark Caljouw’s heart condition affect his performance?
A: Mark Caljouw struggled with an abnormally high heart rate caused by atrial fibrillation. The condition impacted his performance during intense training and matches.

Q: What was the surgical procedure Mark Caljouw underwent?
A: Mark Caljouw underwent a minor surgical procedure that involved burning a section of his heart muscle to regulate the abnormal electrical activity causing his high heart rate.

Conclusion

Mark Caljouw’s journey to recovery from his heart condition is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination. Overcoming adversity, he has returned to the badminton court with renewed strength and confidence. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the exceptional skills of Mark Caljouw, the true fighter. For more information on the latest badminton news and updates, visit Carnegiecentre.

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