American Addy Wiley recounts her journey from battling a rare childhood cancer to becoming a resilient professional track and field star.
Over the years Addison 'Addy' Wiley has gone from a young girl grappling with a devastating cancer diagnosis to an inspiring force on and off the track.
The America 1000m record holder's journey—a tapestry of unimaginable lows and triumphant highs—has shaped her into the resilient athlete and advocate she is today.
Before she was a household name in the world of track and field, Addy was a vibrant, athletic child with big dreams.
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By the time she was ten, she was already dominating basketball courts, outplaying opponents with a natural ease.
But life had a shocking twist in store. Fevers that would not relent and unshakable nausea turned her carefree childhood into a harrowing battle for survival.
“I remember lying in bed, unable to even sit up, while doctors kept saying it was just a virus,” Addy recalls.
“But deep down, I knew something was really wrong.”
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After weeks of uncertainty and misdiagnoses, the truth came out: Addy had an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor—a rare and aggressive condition that primarily targets children and teens.
The tumor wreaked havoc on her body, leaving her too weak to walk. Her mother carried her through hospital corridors, her vibrant energy replaced by exhaustion and fear.
On Friday the 13th, 2013—a date marked by superstition—surgeons took a bold step to remove the tumor. The surgery was a success.
“It was like waking up from a nightmare,” Addy reflects.
“The fevers were gone, and I could finally start healing.”
That victory, however, was just the beginning of her comeback story.
Slowly, Addy rebuilt her strength, rediscovering her love for sports. By the time she reached high school, she had swapped the basketball court for the track.
Her coaches quickly noticed her raw talent, and Addy began to shine as a middle-distance runner.
“Running felt like freedom,” she says.
“After being stuck in a hospital bed, every step I took was like saying, ‘I’m alive, and I’m not wasting this second chance.’”
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Addy’s tenacity paid off. In high school, she smashed records, running the fastest 1500m in 3:59.17 minutes and setting a 1600m record at 4:26.16 minutes.
She did not stop there. At the USATF U20 Championships, she claimed the 1500m title, earning a spot at the World Athletics U20 Championships, where she finished fifth.
But cancer survivors carry more than physical scars; they carry a heightened awareness of life’s fragility. For Addy, that awareness fuels her purpose.
“Every race I run is for something bigger than myself,” she shares.
“It’s not just about winning—it’s about showing others that you can fight through the worst and still chase your dreams.”
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Now 21, Addy is living proof of her own words. A standout sophomore at Huntington University, she became an All-American and was named Track Athlete of the Year by the US Track and Field and Cross-Country Association.
But her ambitions stretched beyond the collegiate level. In January 2024, she turned pro, signing with Adidas to launch her professional career.
“I’m thankful Adidas supports my academic goals just as much as my athletic ones,” says Addy, who is also pursuing a law degree.
“Balancing both isn’t easy, but it’s a challenge I welcome. It keeps me grounded.”
Despite her success, Addy’s journey has not been without setbacks. In the lead-up to the Olympic Trials, she battled severe food poisoning, which hampered her training.
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Although she missed out on qualifying for the Paris Olympics, Addy bounced back with determination, winning five of her next six races and clocking impressive times, including a 1:58.93 in the 800 meters at the Athlos NYC meet.
“Sometimes life knocks you down, and you have to decide: Do you stay down, or do you get back up?” she says.
“For me, getting back up isn’t an option—it’s just what I do.”
With her sights set on the LA Olympics, Addy is not only chasing gold but also shining a light on causes close to her heart.
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Each year, she uses her platform to advocate for a different issue, and this year, she is running for childhood cancer awareness.
“It’s personal for me,” she explains.
“I know what it’s like to face something so scary as a kid. I want other kids to see that there’s hope on the other side.
“You don’t know how many opportunities you’ll get in life. So make the most of every single one.”