Oscar Chalupsky Shares Health Update After Leaving Hospital: 'You Are a Warrior'

• South African paddling legend Oscar Chalupsky, 63, shared an update after spending nearly a month in hospital, including time in ICU
• Chalupsky has been battling advanced multiple myeloma since 2019 and experienced a serious reaction to a new treatment called Talvey
• Supporters flooded his comments with messages of relief and encouragement after seeing him out and about again

South African paddling legend Oscar Chalupsky has shared a welcome update with his followers after being discharged from hospital, drawing an emotional wave of support from people who have been closely following his health journey.

Chalupsky, 63, spent roughly a month in hospital, cycling through the ICU, High Care, and eventually the Stem Cell Transplant Unit.

During that time, he lost 10kg and described the experience as the toughest fight of his life. He shared footage of himself taking his first steps after four weeks in hospital, calling the moment a symbol of hope and progress.

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"The road ahead remains long, but I will keep moving forward, one step at a time," he wrote.

Chalupsky's cancer battle

The 12-time world champion was diagnosed with advanced multiple myeloma, a form of bone marrow cancer, in 2019. A secondary skin cancer developed during the course of his treatment. Doctors have put him through chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy over the years.

Earlier this year, he spoke about having been given just six months to live following his initial diagnosis, yet he has continued to fight the disease.

In August, his medical team started him on a treatment called Talvey after ruling out CAR-T therapy. He had a serious reaction to the first dose, but later reported that his blood markers showed slight improvement and that his blood pressure had stabilised.

Supporters rally behind the champion

Seeing Chalupsky back on his feet clearly meant a great deal to those who have watched his journey from the sidelines. Followers filled his comments with warmth and relief.

Leon Schultz wrote:

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"So glad you are out and about, Oscar!!!! Sorry about all the misery that befell you."

Cardio Tennis SA admitted his silence had caused real concern:

"So glad to see you taking and being positive as always. Must confess I was worried as you were quiet for a long while. You are an inspiration."

Another supporter called him a warrior, adding:

"You are such an inspiration!"

Others urged him to keep going, with messages like "Hang in there champ. You will beat this. No surrender!" and "Keep the fight." One follower simply called him an "absolute bloody legend."

Watch the emotional video below on X.

A decorated career has shaped the way Chalupsky approaches adversity. He represented South Africa at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and built a reputation as one of the greatest canoeing and surfski racers the country has produced. His "No Retreat, No Surrender" mantra, which he has leaned on throughout his illness, resonates strongly with the community that has rallied behind him.

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For now, his supporters are watching every update closely and cheering him on as he takes his recovery one step at a time.

Cheslin Kolbe shares hospital update

Briefly News previously reported that Springbok winger Cheslin Kolbe broke his jaw during the Springboks' 29-24 win over the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on 5 September 2026

Kolbe posted from his hospital bed the following day, thanking fans and recognising his wife, who flew to Johannesburg to be with him

Source: Briefly News