LUDMILA ENGQVIST, who has already won a world title for her adopted country, Sweden, will run in the World Championships over the next 10 days despite undergoing chemotherapy. The Russian-born sprinter has stunned experts with her running form despite the severe treatment she has to undertake after she was diagnosed as having breast cancer. Now 35 years old, Engqvist recently won the 100 metres hurdles at the Stockholm Grand Prix despite being in the middle of treatment, surprising cancer specialists such as Professor Arne Ljungqvist, who is head of the IAAF Medical Commission.

"This is remarkable stuff. I helped Ludmila find the doctor (George Engel), but both he and I thought 2000 perhaps for a return. But here she is back three months later," the Swede said.

Wilson Kipketer is another athlete who has come back from severe illness to rise back to the top of his sport. The Kenyan-born Dane suffered serious liver problems before fully recovering.