Women's World Cup star who beat cancer collapses in terrifying footage
Women's World Cup star Linda Caicedo is recovering after collapsing in training
REUTERS
Women's World Cup star Linda Caicedo collapsed in training with the distressing scenes caught on camera.
The 18-year-old previously beat ovarian cancer three years ago and has flourished at the tournament so far.
Caicedo scored on her debut just days ago as Colombia cruised to a 2-0 victory over South Korea to get their tournament off to a positive start.
However, her future involvement in this year's competition is now up in the air.
EL MOMENTO QUE PREOCUPÓ A TODO UN PAÍS
— DSportsCo (@DIRECTVSportsCo) July 27, 2023
Linda Caicedo, ya recuperada, entrena con normalidad junto a sus compañeras.
📹 DSPORTS, en Australia pic.twitter.com/02vIjZisaU
Terrifying footage uploaded by @DIRECTTVSportsCo shows the youngster jogging with her team-mates.
She then suddenly stops, holding her chest and falls to the ground - sparking panic from those around her.
Concerned players gathered around Caicedo before a member of training staff rushes onto the scene, along with other team staffers.
Caicedo regained consciousness before being taken away on a stretcher, with the youngster later taken to hospital.
A Colombian FA medical staff member later said the player was 'very tired' but 'back to normal'.
Caicedo's career was threatened at the age of 15 when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
Fortunately she was able to recover after a tumour was removed and she had six months of chemotherapy.
Discussing the ordeal before the tournament started, Caicedo said: "At the time, I didn't think I could play professionally again because of all the treatments and surgeries I had to go through.
"Mentally, it was a very difficult moment in my life. I'm forever grateful that it happened when I was very young.
"I was able to recover, I also had my family's support, and I feel very good now.
"What happened made me grow. I feel thankful and happy to be here."
In January, Caicedo also said: “It was something we dealt with internally.
“Thankfully I overcame it and I’m well now.
"It was not easy, but with the help of my loved ones, I was ready to go back to playing once doctors told me I was OK.
"I feel like this is in the past, and now I can follow my path in football.”
Caicedo currently plays for Real Madrid.
She was named player of the match after Colombia got the better of South Korea earlier in the week.
Caicedo isn't now expected to feature in her side's second match of the tournament against Germany on Sunday.
Germany got their own campaign off to a stunning start on Monday, hammering Morocco 6-0 to send out an early statement.
As for England, Sarina Wiegman's side are in action against Denmark on Friday looking to make it two wins from two.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Linda Caicedo is one of the breakout stars of the Women's World Cup
REUTERS
The Euro champions beat Haiti 1-0 on matchday one, with Georgia Stanway scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot to give the Lionesses all three points.