"Chuck Wielgus has courageously faced many health challenges, yet has refused to let anything slow him down and keep him from accomplishing many things in his life," said Rolf Benirschke, the founder and chairman of Great Comebacks.

"Great Comebacks is proud to recognise Chuck for his strength of heart and mind, and for helping us change misperceptions and build greater awareness of living life with an ostomy," 

Since his diagnosis at the age of 56, which saw him quickly undergoing chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, Wielgus has remained active in USA Swimming, travelling widely to encourage competitors at numerous meets including the Beijing Games in 2008.

"A day before surgery, I found out I was going to have an ostomy and I didn't know what that was; I wondered, 'Am I going to be able to do all the things I used to do?'" recalled Wielgus.

Wielgus began to recover from his surgery and chemotherapy treatments only to end up back in the hospital a year later when he developed peripheral neuropathy – permanent damage to the nerves in his hands and feet.

He was inspired by his swimming family and wife, Nancy, to continue the active lifestyle he enjoyed prior to surgery despite this new challenge.

Soon, he was able to resume working at USA Swimming and as chief executive of the USA Swimming Foundation, raising awareness of the achievements of US swimmers at all levels and promoting water safety; he also recently received the Nadar Por Vida Award for promoting diversity in swimming.

"My illness has made me much more patient, tolerant and understanding and I now look for ways to reach out and support others who are confronting physical and emotional challenges."

The Great Comebacks programme, which provides support for people living with intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer and other conditions that can lead to ostomy surgery, annually honours outstanding individuals who are inspiring others to live life to the fullest after surgery.

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