3. Rudy Galindo
Another Olympian to contract the HIV virus is Rudy Galindo – US figure skating champion. Galindo took home the gold medal in 1996, and was crowned the World Junior Champion in 1997. In 2000, at the height of his career, he announced he was HIV-positive. Galindo has seen firsthand how devastating the HIV-virus can be. His skating coaches and his brother died of the virus, so naturally, he was afraid he would suffer the same fate.
When he linked up with a Reno, Nevada HIV and AIDS specialist, his outlook on life completely changed. Galindo realized his coaches and brother acquired HIV during an era when not much was known about the virus. And today, he is able to live a healthy life by taking care of himself, and by diligently taking his medicine. He was quoted as saying, “The medication they’re coming up with is great. I’m learning more about it from my doctors and family. They’re saying you can live a healthy life if you just take care of yourself and take your medicine.”
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