5 Pro Athletes Battling Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s Disease doesn’t play favorites. Anyone can be diagnosed with the often-debilitating inflammatory bowel disease, which causes chronic inflammation of the GI tract.

The disease is marked by periods of flares—when patients experience symptoms like diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, low energy, and an urgent need to use the bathroom—and remission when they feel fine.

These five world-class athletes are living proof that the chronic condition doesn’t have to come between you and your dreams.