A routine medical examination unexpectedly uncovered a congenital heart defect that left doctors warning Sonny Bill Williams his heart was nearly bursting.
Screening Reveals Anomaly in Double Rugby World Cup Winner
The 41-year-old double Rugby World Cup winner detailed the ordeal in a video publication, sharing hospital footage. The anomaly was discovered serendipitously during a medical screening related to a previous neck operation. According to lefigaro.fr, medical professionals informed the former center that it was a miracle the condition was caught in time.
Competing at the Elite Level With a Hidden Anomaly
Williams stated that his heart measured 7.5 centimeters and was on the point of bursting. This meant he had unknowingly competed at the elite level of professional sport with a severe, hidden anomaly throughout his career.
Cardiologist Evaluates Extreme Physical Conditioning
Cardiologist Michael O’Keefe evaluated Williams following the diagnosis and pointed to the extraordinary physical conditioning required to mask such a condition. The medical specialist noted that performing at such a high level demonstrated the extreme fitness Williams maintained to compensate for the defect, effectively playing with an unrecognized handicap.
Sydney Recovery Following Retirement From Contact Sports
The surgical procedure was successful, leaving the former athlete out of danger. Williams won Rugby World Cups with the All Blacks in 2011 and 2015, earned 58 caps with the All Blacks after beginning his career in rugby league before playing for Toulon, and later retired from rugby in 2021 to pursue professional boxing. He is currently recovering alongside his family in Sydney, Australia.
