Imagine receiving a life-altering diagnosis at just 20 years old, only to emerge stronger and more determined than ever. This is the story of Yuli van der Molen, a Dutch cyclist whose journey from a stage four Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis to a triumphant return to the track is nothing short of inspiring. But here’s where it gets controversial: how much should young athletes share with their families about their struggles? And this is the part most people miss—the emotional toll of battling cancer while chasing a dream.
It was a frigid January day in 2024 when Yuli’s life took an unexpected turn. Just 20 minutes after arriving home, her doctor called, urging her to return to the hospital. The scan results, which typically take a week, were urgent. Yuli, accompanied by her parents, received the devastating news: she had Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare blood cancer affecting the lymphatic system. Stage four. The most advanced. 'I just froze,' she recalls. 'Then you go into survival mode.'
But here’s the kicker: Yuli admits, 'I never told my parents how bad it really was.' She endured excruciating pain, sleepless nights, and hospital visits alone, shielding her family from the full extent of her suffering. 'Deep down, I thought there was something really wrong with me, but I didn’t know what,' she confesses. This raises a thought-provoking question: should athletes prioritize their mental health by sharing their struggles, or is shielding loved ones an act of protection?
The symptoms began nearly a year earlier, in February 2023, during a training camp. Yuli noticed a lack of power in her right leg, followed by relentless fatigue and night sweats. Despite her declining health, she pushed through the 2023 season, failing to finish 10 out of 27 road races. Then, in December, she discovered a lump on her collarbone—a chilling reminder of her mother’s battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma two decades prior. 'I googled it, saw it was cancer, and thought, I think I have that,' she says.
Chemotherapy began on Valentine’s Day, less than a month after her diagnosis. Yuli’s mother, Esther, supported her through the grueling process, which she documented in a YouTube vlog series. The videos, raw and emotional, capture her shaving her head, injecting medication, and breaking down in tears. Yet, they also showcase her resilience—trying on wigs, celebrating her last chemo session, and ultimately, a cancer-free surprise party in May 2024.
Here’s where opinions might clash: While some applaud Yuli’s transparency in sharing her journey, others question whether such vulnerability is necessary. Does oversharing risk exploitation, or does it foster connection and awareness? Yuli’s YouTube channel, now a diary of her darkest days, has garnered over 11,000 views on her most popular video. 'At first I couldn’t really watch myself,' she admits. 'Now I’m proud of the person I am today. Cancer made me who I am, in a good way. But it sucks that I had to go through it.'
Her return to cycling was challenging. Just weeks after her final chemo session, she resumed training, only to crash out of a race in Belgium. 'Chemo destroys a lot,' she explains. 'My energy was drained, my racing motor vanished.' Panic attacks followed, triggered by the fear of cancer returning and doubts about her athletic future. With the help of psychologists, she gradually regained her footing, winning twice at the Six Days of Rotterdam and earning a silver medal in the Madison at the under-23 European Track Championships.
Today, Yuli’s arms bear tattoos—'survivor' and 'never give up'—indelible reminders of her journey. Her cancer is in remission, and she’s thriving with the British Continental team O’Shea RedChilli Bikes. 'I will maybe never be a big winner,' she says, 'but I’m excited about new opportunities.'
Her uncle, retired pro Niki Terpstra, notes a change in her character: 'She’s more willing to suffer for her sport now. The suffering she does today looks like a small effort compared to what she’s been through.'
So, what do you think? Should athletes like Yuli share their struggles openly, or is there value in keeping some battles private? Let’s spark a conversation in the comments—agree or disagree, your perspective matters.
