Sonny Bill Williams survived with hidden heart condition he never knew
SBW underwent emergency open-heart surgery after doctors discovered a lifelong congenital heart condition during routine follow-up.
Sonny Bill Williams, 41, revealed in a YouTube video that he nearly died during emergency open-heart surgery at Melbourne's Austin Hospital. The former NRL and All Blacks star had a congenital heart condition, a defect present from birth, discovered by chance during a routine follow-up from neck surgery earlier this year.
The surgeon, Dr Michael O'Keefe, told him the condition could have been fatal: a perfectly fit-looking person could have simply collapsed. Williams underwent a Ross procedure on his aortic valve, a major operation that included two open-heart surgeries in one.
He said day two of recovery was the hardest, when he thought he might not make it through. The surgery was successful; doctors told him his heart is now more efficient.
Williams said the condition had affected his athletic performance throughout his career, explaining why he struggled to reach peak fitness despite intense training.
- 41
- Age
- Austin Hospital, Melbourne
- Hospital
- 7.5 centimetres
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- 10,000 in two hours
- Video views
Why it mattersShows how hidden health conditions can affect athletes for decades and why routine medical checks can be lifesaving.
AustraliaAustralian sports figure's story highlights importance of health screening and demonstrates world-class cardiac care available at Australian hospitals.
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