Former 400m Olympic medalist has heart valve replacement

[pekster11]

One of the best 400m runners of his generation, Roger Black knew he had a bicuspid aortic valve from age 11 (same age I was diagnosed).
Initially he was pulled out of competitive sport (as I was)
Just shows you before the valve becomes severely stenotic it's no hindrance to elite level athletic performance
https://heartvalvevoice.com/roger-black/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/articles/c77rp14yn8vo

 

[tjay]

Yes, many world class athletes and champions were born with BAV. No hindrance to elite level athletic performance until it becomes an issue at "some point".

As everyone knows, Arnold Schwarzenegger is another such athlete. I find it even more amazing considering what he did (bodybuilding, lifting heavy weights, anabolic steroids etc) is one thing doctors tell you not to (e.g. no isometric exercises, lift only light weights if you must, do only aerobic activities ...). It just tells us how much potential BAVers have, irrespective of their congenital condition, and contrary to traditional recommendations from the medical community (doctors and patients alike).

Some of this also applies to post-op phase. Doctors and patients will always have an opinion what you can or can not do - which's not always consistent and often (too) conservative. Once you're armed with the knowledge and do required follow-ups, there's lots that depend on you what you want to do with your life.

May we all be champions of our own lives.