With an ever-increasing number of people developing vitiligo, it has never been more important to look up to role models to gain inspiration. It is often easy to look at famous people assuming that their lives consist exclusively of wining, dining and socializing. However, many sportsmen with vitiligo never appear to allow having this skin condition interfere with their aspirations, goals, and ambitions.
Below are just a handful of the sportsmen and sportswomen who have vitiligo, which could not hold them back from attaining their goals and dreams.
1. Rasheed Abdul Wallace
The famous NBA basketball player dealt with vitiligo most beautifully. Rasheed played in the NBA for nearly 10 years and popularized the phrase ‘ball don’t lie.’
2. Karl Dunbar
The American footballer stands like a sergeant in the battle. After a brief stint as a police officer, Dunbar started coaching and refused to let vitiligo get in his way. He has used his position as an NFL coach to educate people about the chronic skin disorder.
3. Scott Jorgensen
A mixed martial artist, Scott Jorgensen’s vitiligo affects most of his body. Just like any other adventure enthusiasts, Scott Jorgensen loves takedowns, and dirty boxing.
4. Hedvig Lindahl
The soccer goalkeeper has accrued over 90 caps for the Sweden women’s national football team. Keeping vitiligo worries at bay, Hedvig decided to focus on becoming a professional soccer player. She has been named the “Swedish Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year” thrice.
5. John Campbell
The Jamaican cricketer who represents West Indies made his debut for the Jamaican national side in 2013. John is the first cricketer with vitiligo to play at the international level – a good sign towards vitiligo’s representation in sports at large. The left-handed batsman and right-arm off spin bowler was named in the West Indies’ Test squad for their series against England in January 2019.
6. Bryan Danielson
Also known as “American Dragon”, Bryan is an independent professional wrestler. He is a former head trainer of the ROH Wrestling Academy. The sportsman has also held the top titles of all three promotions (the ROH World Championship, the FIP World Championship, and the PWG World Championship).
7. Isaac Go
An Ateneo Blue Eagles player, Isaac Go revealed his vitiligo on World Vitiligo Day (2018). The Filipino basketball player took to Instagram to announce that he’s part of 1% of the world population (that has vitiligo).
8. J.D Runnels
The former American football player has been a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Florida Tuskers, and Cincinnati Bengals. Runnels has white patches across his eyes and mouth.
9. Devontae Shuler
Ole Miss Basketball Guard was diagnosed between his eighth and ninth grade year. Devontae, who has noticeable spots under his eyes, mouth, face, and hands, does his best to encourage others dealing with vitiligo. The basketball player’s paternal aunt had the condition as well.
The Famous Vitiligans (sportsmen with vitiligo edition) list is compiled on the basis of many online and offline sources. If you detect any discrepancy, kindly write to us at reachus@uniteforvitiligo. We will amend the entry.
