Earvin “Magic” Johnson marked 35 years since his HIV diagnosis by sharing a statement on social media about his health and survival.
“Seht nur, wie weit Gott mich seit meiner HIV-Diagnose vor 35 Jahren gebracht hat! Es ist wahrlich seiner Gnade und Barmherzigkeit zu verdanken, dass ich noch hier bin und es mir so gut geht,” wrote the Los Angeles Lakers legend on the platform X, as reported by WELT.
Reflecting on Faith and Survival
Johnson won five NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers before his playing career was interrupted by the diagnosis. In his public statement, he credited his longevity to faith and divine guidance.
“Gott hat mich nie aufgegeben, und ich habe den Glauben bewahrt,” Johnson wrote, according to WELT. He added that he remains grateful for the prayers of his family, friends, and fans over the decades.
The 1991 Press Conference
On November 7, 1991, Johnson stepped before the world press at age 32 to announce his retirement from basketball. He began the briefing with the words, “Zunächst wünsche ich euch allen einen schönen Nachmittag,” before stating that he had contracted the human immunodeficiency virus.
At the time, public perception closely associated HIV and AIDS with homosexual men and intravenous drug users.
“Aufgrund des HI-Virus, das ich mir zugezogen habe, muss ich heute von den Los Angeles Lakers zurücktreten,” Johnson told reporters during the 1991 announcement.
Return to the Court and Modern Treatment
Despite the severity of the diagnosis in the early 1990s, Johnson expressed immediate resolve. “Ich werde es besiegen. Ich werde Spaß haben. Wir sehen uns wieder,” he said during the press conference.
He returned to the NBA one year after his initial retirement and played again before concluding his professional career in 1996. Advancements in antiretroviral medications and sustained lifestyle management allowed Johnson to reach the age of 67.
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