When Olympic gymnast Suni Lee shared her experience with incurable kidney disease, she highlighted the challenges athletes face when dealing with kidney health issues. Despite her two diagnoses, Lee continues to compete at the highest level in gymnastics, making a remarkable comeback at the 2024 Olympic Games. Not just a comeback—the 21-year-old gymnast dominated in Paris, taking home bronze in the individual-all around and uneven bars, as well as gold with Team USA. Her story, along with those of other athletes, proves that you can still thrive in sports while managing kidney health.
What the Research Says
We know that the kidneys filter waste, balance fluids, and regulate electrolytes. For athletes, they also help manage hydration and blood pressure during physical activity. And this means people with kidney disease—like Suni Lee—or one kidney—like yours truly—need to take extra care when staying active in sports, whether that's gymnastics or bodybuilding.
Research on athletes with kidney health issues offers valuable insights into safety, risk management, and exercise. Understanding these factors helps athletes, coaches, and medical professionals make better decisions about playing sports. Here’s a look at what the latest studies say about staying safe and active while dealing with kidney health concerns.
Safety and Risk Management
Protective Gear: According to research in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, athletes with one kidney should wear protective gear, like padded vests, to reduce injury risks during contact sports. This type of gear helps reduce the risk of injury during contact sports by providing an additional layer of protection against direct impacts. Athletes should consider incorporating this gear to mitigate potential risks associated with physical contact.
Risk vs. Reward: The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that while serious kidney injuries in sports are rare, you should balance the risks and rewards. Staying active has many benefits, but taking precautions is key to prevent potential kidney damage. Athletes and their support teams should carefully assess these factors to make informed decisions about playing sports.
Exercise and Kidney Health
Kidney Adaptation: Research in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology shows that a single kidney can adapt and handle the workload even if the other is removed. This adaptation allows people with one kidney to exercise regularly without compromising kidney function. Exercise doesn’t seem to interfere with this process.
Hydration: Studies in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation underscore the importance of staying well-hydrated during exercise to protect your kidney and avoid injuries. Adequate fluid intake helps maintain kidney health and supports overall physical performance.
8 Tips for Athletes with Kidney Concerns
Find your winning balance with these essential tips for competing in sports while managing kidney health.
Consult your doctor: Regular visits to a doctor who understands kidney health are important. They can give you advice tailored to your condition and help you manage risks effectively.
Wear protective gear: Using protective gear like padded vests can help safeguard your kidney during contact sports. This gear reduces the risk of injury from impacts.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is key to keeping your kidneys healthy, especially when you're active. Proper hydration helps your kidneys function well and prevents dehydration-related issues.
Monitor your health: Pay attention to how you feel and any changes in your health. If something doesn’t seem right, see your doctor. Keeping track of your health is crucial for managing kidney issues.
Know your limits: Listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired or unwell, take a break. Pushing too hard can strain your kidney and affect your overall health.
Rest and recover: Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night and take two rest days each week. Proper rest helps your body recover and keeps your immune system strong.
Stay informed: Keep up with the latest information on kidney health and sports. Being informed helps you make smart choices about your activities and how to protect your kidneys.
Join support networks: Connect with other athletes who have kidney issues. Sharing experiences and advice with others can offer support and help you manage your condition better.
Choosing the Right Sports
When managing kidney health, some sports are safer than others. Non-contact sports like swimming, cycling, running, and tennis are generally safer because they involve less risk of direct hits to the kidney area. Weightlifting can be beneficial, but you should avoid overtraining or putting excessive pressure on the abdomen. In severe cases, overtraining can lead to rhabdomyolysis, where muscle breakdown releases substances into the blood that can damage the kidney.
On the other hand, contact sports like football, hockey, and wrestling pose higher risks due to physical contact, so discuss these risks with a doctor before participating. Extreme sports like boxing, martial arts, and motocross carry even greater risks, so you should wear protective gear and follow safety guidelines to keep your kidney safe from injury.
Athletes Who Defied Kidney Challenges
Suni Lee is not the only top athlete managing kidney disease. Several other athletes—including Olympians, basketball stars, and soccer pros—have also shown that you can have one kidney or manage kidney disease and compete at the highest levels.
Alonzo Mourning, a former NBA player, got a kidney transplant in 2003 and went on to win an NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2006.
Sean Elliott, another former NBA player, had a kidney transplant in 1999 but made a successful return to the NBA after his surgery.
Christoph Kramer, a German soccer player born with one kidney, won the 2014 FIFA World Cup despite his health challenges.
Eddie Curry, also an NBA player, faced kidney issues but kept his professional basketball career going.
Brandon Roy, another NBA pro, managed kidney problems and still made a big impact in his career.
Hakeem Olajuwon, an NBA Hall of Famer, dealt with health issues, including a kidney infection, but continued to dominate on the court.
Samantha Harris, a former professional tennis player, kept competing despite a kidney disorder.
Phil Mickelson, a professional golfer, has openly talked about his kidney health struggles while maintaining his success on the tour.
Paige VanZant, a professional mixed martial artist, faced kidney health challenges but continued to compete at a high level.
Ian Thorpe, the Australian swimmer, dealt with kidney issues while winning multiple Olympic medals.
Athletes like Suni Lee, Alonzo Mourning, and Sean Elliott show that playing sports with kidney disease or one kidney is possible. With the right precautions and regular check-ups, you can still enjoy sports and achieve great things. Finding the balance between your passion for athletics and taking care of your kidney health makes all the difference.
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