From learning to skate as a child to dealing with the death of his mother from breast cancer in 1977, renowned Scott Hamilton has faced many obstacles in his life. In 1997, the Olympic legend also battled testicular cancer, which he overcame with treatment and surgery. When Hamilton found out that a pituitary tumour in his brain had returned for the third time in 2016, he faced his worries once more. He has now received a heartbreaking update on his health. Read on to find out more.

The gold medallist told People, “They told me it’s back when they gave me the diagnosis.” They then brought in a young, skilled surgeon who suggested that we perform the procedure once more. It would be difficult, but if you’re open to it, we could bring in some really bright individuals, and I’m confident we could succeed.

Credit: Paul Morigi / Getty.
However, according to Men’s Journal, he was worried about going through a similar experience because he had already had surgery twice, once in 2004 when he was first diagnosed with a brain tumour and then in 2010 when it returned. He recalled nine more procedures after an artery in his brain was nicked, saying, “The second time around proved to be extremely complicated.” Hamilton decided to concentrate on building up his strength in order to prevent a recurrence of the situation. “Don’t worry about this,” was all I could think. “Just get strong and go home,” he said…

Hamilton’s choice later produced favourable outcomes. “It has been amazing,” he remarked. “They said it hadn’t grown when I returned for the scan three months later. When I return three months later, they say that it has decreased by 45%.

But further tests showed that the tumour had grown. In contrast to past health scares, he decided without seeking treatment, and according to Fox News, he is now comfortable with his choice. “Don’t worry about this,” was all I could think. Simply go home and strengthen yourself. “Well, what do you want to do?” they ask. “I think I’m going to go home and get strong,” I said, he added. As he considers his path, Hamilton acknowledges that his strategy is still somewhat unclear and speculates that he would treat the tumour if the need arises. “The fact that there is now a targeted radiation therapy that will shrink the tumour is my ace in the hole,” he said.

Scott Hamilton and one of his four children. Credit: John M. Heller / Getty
Hamilton is thankful for his life’s achievements and his family as he celebrates his 66th birthday this year and marks the 40th anniversary of his gold medal victory in the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics.

Hamilton added that when he thought about his family, he was continually amazed by the unanticipated gifts life had bestowed upon him. He thanked his wife and kids, as well as the chance to help cancer research and give back to his sport, saying, “I never would’ve thought to dream any of it.”

Regarding the Scott Hamilton and Friends ice show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in November 2024, Scott talked to People. The goal of the event was to collect money for his CARES Foundation, which supports cancer research. As a survivor and someone who lost his mother to the disease, he holds this cause in high regard. “I’m feeling fantastic,” Scott continued, adding, “I’m 66 years old, and when I consider my future, I know that I’ll be volunteering in that field as long as there is cancer in the world.”