TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, considered a medal contender for the Tokyo Olympics before being diagnosed with leukemia in February, said on Wednesday her treatment is proceeding smoothly but sometimes she feels her "heart might break". Her rich haul in the Jakarta pool propelled her onto the world stage and Ikee was expected to lead a new generation of Japanese swimmers at their home Games next year. While announcing her diagnosis, the 18-year-old Ikee said she 'couldn't believe it' and she has since been concentrating on treatment, although no details about her illness have been released. In March, she said on Twitter: "This is dozens of times, hundreds of times, thousands of times harder than I thought. On Wednesday, using a newly-launched website, Ikee thanked fans for their numerous messages of support and said her treatment was proceeding smoothly but things were occasionally tough.

Source: The Star May 08, 2019 05:48 UTC