Elena Congost, a 37-year-old Paralympic athlete from Vic, has announced a temporary departure from her athletic career to undergo cancer treatment. In a heartfelt interview on Esport Club aired by Esport3, Congost shared, "I'm embarking on a different kind of race during a challenging period in my life."

She openly discussed the commonality of cancer, emphasizing, "Cancer often carries a taboo, yet it is quite prevalent." Despite taking care of oneself, she noted, "We are not immune to life's adversities." Congost approaches her diagnosis with unwavering strength, determination, and the steadfast support of those around her.

Previously, Congost claimed third place in the T12 visual impairment marathon at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. However, she was disqualified for releasing the guide rope with Mia Carol, her assistant, near the finish line—a rule violation she contested legally. Carol experienced severe cramps, prompting Congost to pause and assist her, momentarily letting go of the connecting rope.

This act of compassion struck a chord globally, sparking both admiration and outrage. Reflecting on the incident, Congost told journalist Carlos Arribas seven months later, "Ultimately, I learned that winning isn't always paramount. At that moment, the priority was aiding the person beside me." Despite losing the medal, she expressed gratitude for the exposure, "Thanks to this event, many people came to know me, even though I'd already won gold at the Rio 2016 Games," she shared in a piece for EL PAÍS.

As of late April, before her first race of the year in Ibiza, Congost expressed a lingering desire to showcase her capabilities again, "I've got another chance, even if it’s three and a half years away." Unfortunately, her quest toward Los Angeles 2028 will face an unexpected pause.