Legendary rugby player Wally Lewis, renowned as “The King” during his illustrious career with Queensland and Australia in the 1980s, has made an impassioned plea for government funding towards support services and education about chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Addressing the National Press Club on Tuesday, the 64-year-old Lewis revealed his own diagnosis of probable CTE, a type of dementia associated with repeated concussions and sub-concussive blows to the head. “The fear is real. I don’t want anyone to have to live with the fear and anxiety that I live with every day, worried about what I’ve forgotten… the fear of what my future will look like,” Lewis said. “And living with the constant fear and anxiety that I’ll let people down – the people who all my life have been able to rely on me and looked to me for my strength and leadership.” Despite his remarkable achievements on the field, including leading Australia’s Kangaroos in 24 international matches and being inducted as an Immortal of the National Rugby League, Lewis’s memories of his rugby career have been clouded. He spoke of his journey marked by “the twin shadows of fear and embarrassment,” and the erosion of his memory due to the effects of probable CTE dementia. Lewis emphasized the urgent need for increased community awareness about concussions and the implementation of prevention programs, particularly focusing on tackling techniques from youth to professional levels. The growing recognition of CTE and concussion has been fueled by lawsuits filed by players in contact sports, including the NFL in the United States and rugby union in Britain. CTE, a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head trauma, can only be definitively diagnosed posthumously. Lewis’s platform as a legendary rugby figure serves as a powerful voice to advocate for change. He aims to raise awareness, implement protective measures for Australian children, and provide support for those affected by CTE. “As Wally Lewis I have influence – I have a platform – and I intend to use it at every opportunity to bring about change for all Australians like me who are impacted by CTE,” Lewis said. “And to do whatever I can to protect the brains of Australian children from CTE.” His message serves as a compelling call to action, highlighting the critical need for funding, education, and prevention strategies to address the growing concerns surrounding CTE in contact sports.
Legendary Rugby Player Urges Funding for CTE Support and Education
