From intensive care to the Olympic podium - a podcast by BBC World Service

Keeth Smart is an all-time great in the US in the sport of fencing. He was the first American to be ranked the number one fencer in the world. But in 2004 he suffered a devastating defeat at the Olympics when he lost a medal by one point. So in 2008 he was determined to redeem his reputation. Months out from the games, he noticed that his gums and hands were bleeding. Keeth was rushed into intensive care and told he had a 50-percent chance of survival. How he beat leukaemia and ended up winning an Olympic medal.

A short film has been made about Keeth's life called Stay Close.Presenter: Saskia Edwards
Producer: Saskia EdwardsPicture: Keeth Smart at sabre semi-final at Beijing Olympic Games
Credit: OMAR TORRES/AFP/Getty ImagesGet in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Further episodes of Lives Less Ordinary

Further podcasts by BBC World Service

Website of BBC World Service