Professional Pickleball Player Shares His Battle: Thomas Wilson, one of pickleball’s most admired professionals, is known for his positive attitude and genuine kindness both on and off the court. His openness with fans and pickleball players has only deepened the admiration surrounding him.
In December 2023, Wilson revealed his diagnosis of Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, a chronic heart condition causing an abnormally fast heartbeat due to an extra electrical pathway. After undergoing surgery, his recovery seemed hopeful, marked by a joyous milestone—welcoming his baby girl, Holyn, through adoption.
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Medical Challenges Resurface
The early 2024 pickleball season showed promise, with Wilson claiming a few victories. However, by June, he began withdrawing from tournaments, citing medical concerns. On Thursday, Wilson provided an emotional update, revealing troubling symptoms that escalated rapidly.
“I was having trouble breathing and shortness of breath that got progressively worse in the coming weeks. Muscle twitching to the point where I couldn’t work out or train anymore. The lowest point was when I was laying on the couch all day every day trying to catch my breath. I’m air hungry. Beyond terrifying and miserable.” – (Thomas Wilson)
“I was having trouble breathing and shortness of breath that got progressively worse,” he shared. Muscle twitching and extreme fatigue left him unable to train or even perform daily activities. His condition worsened to the point where he was bedridden, experiencing what he called “air hunger.”
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Search for Answers
Wilson spent weeks hospitalized in Austin and San Antonio before being transferred to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Despite extensive testing, doctors were unable to pinpoint the cause of his symptoms.
“Initially some scary stuff was thrown around. We got some potential diagnoses that were hard to hear. Needless to say, we were having some pretty tough conversations as a family, not knowing how much longer things would go. It’s been a tough road to say the least.” – (Thomas Wilson)
Currently, his lungs and muscles remain inflamed, presenting an unresolved medical mystery.
“Fast forward to now, I’m with the Mayo Clinic and something is inflaming my lungs and muscles and we don’t know what it is, which has been beyond frustrating. I want to get back to my life. I want to get back on tour. I really miss being on tour. I miss my friends, my family, traveling with my family, fans, everybody.” – (Thomas Wilson)
Looking Ahead with Hope
Wilson will visit respiratory specialists at National Jewish Health in Denver in the coming weeks, hoping for clarity. Though stable enough to get through the day without exertion, his physical limitations remain significant.
“We’re really praying and hoping that we get to the bottom of this. I’m not as bad as I was at the beginning of this where I didn’t know if I would wake up the next day and be able to breathe. But, I’m stable enough to where I can get through my day without doing anything active.” – (Thomas Wilson)
As the pickleball community rallies around him, Wilson remains optimistic. The support from fans and fellow players shows the sport’s familial bond.
“If I do, my muscles get inflamed again, and then I have trouble breathing for the next several days. I’m very hopeful we’re going to find answers here this next month.” – (Thomas Wilson)
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News in Brief: Professional Pickleball Player Shares His Battle
Thomas Wilson, a beloved pickleball pro, continues to battle health issues after being diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome in 2023. Following surgery and a hopeful recovery, his condition deteriorated in mid-2024, leaving him hospitalized and searching for answers.
Currently under evaluation at the Mayo Clinic, Wilson is set to visit National Jewish Health for further respiratory assessments. While stable, he’s unable to return to the sport he loves. Wilson expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the pickleball community as he remains hopeful for a resolution.
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