In a poignant revelation that has sent shockwaves through the snooker community, seven-time World Champion Stephen Hendry has opened up about his battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The 56-year-old Scottish legend, once hailed as the sport’s most dominant player, shared his diagnosis in an exclusive interview, shedding light on the personal challenges he now faces.
Stephen Hendry’s illustrious career is etched into the annals of snooker history. Turning professional at just 16, he swiftly ascended to the top, clinching his first World Championship title in 1990 at the age of 21—the youngest ever to do so. Over the next decade, Hendry’s dominance was unparalleled, securing seven World titles and 18 Triple Crown victories, a record only recently matched by Ronnie O’Sullivan.([en.wikipedia.org][1])
However, in the latter stages of his career, Hendry faced a formidable adversary off the table. He began experiencing the ‘yips’—a psychological condition that caused involuntary spasms and a loss of confidence in his cueing action. In his autobiography, *Me and The Table*, Hendry described the condition as “completely debilitating, like a cancer spreading through your game and just destroying it.” This affliction led to his early retirement in 2012, as he struggled to perform even basic shots .([irishmirror.ie][2])
**The Alzheimer’s Diagnosis**
In a candid interview, Hendry disclosed that his recent cognitive decline was attributed to Alzheimer’s disease. He expressed the emotional toll of the diagnosis, stating, “It’s a cruel irony that my mind, once my greatest asset, is now betraying me.” The news has left fans and fellow professionals alike in deep sorrow, as they reflect on the legacy of a player who redefined the sport.
**A Community in Mourning**
The revelation has sparked an outpouring of support from the snooker community. Fellow professionals, including Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins, have publicly expressed their solidarity, praising Hendry’s courage in sharing his journey. O’Sullivan remarked, “Stephen was my idol growing up. To see him face this challenge with such dignity is truly inspiring.”
Fans across the globe have also rallied behind Hendry, flooding social media with messages of encouragement and admiration. Many have shared personal anecdotes of how Hendry’s performances inspired them, highlighting the profound impact he had both on and off the table.
**Looking Ahead**
Despite the challenges ahead, Hendry remains committed to raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease. He has pledged to support research initiatives and advocate for better care and understanding of the condition. In his own words, “If sharing my story can help even one person, then it’s worth it.”([theguardian.com][3])
As the snooker world grapples with this heartbreaking news, Stephen Hendry’s legacy as a champion transcends his titles. His bravery in the face of adversity serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Fans and fellow professionals alike stand united in support, honoring a legend who gave so much to the sport and continues to inspire with his resilience.
For those wishing to support Alzheimer’s research, Hendry encourages donations to reputable organizations dedicated to the cause. Further information can be found on the Alzheimer’s Society website.
[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hendry?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Stephen Hendry”
[2]: https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/other-sport/snooker/stephen-hendry-opens-up-secret-13185306?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Stephen Hendry opens up on the secret condition that ended his illustrious career – Irish Mirror Online”
[3]: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/oct/15/stephen-hendry-yips-snooker-interview?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Stephen Hendry: ‘Yips trivialises it. It was much more than that’ | Stephen Hendry | The Guardian”