Tears Pour In for Sheryl Swoopes After Sharing Life-Changing Event originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes has always been a symbol of strength, but her recent emotional reveal reminded fans just how human their heroes can be.
Part of a powerful video series titled “Unordinary Stories Presented by Novo Nordisk”, Swoopes opened up about her diagnosis with Type 2 diabetes, a moment that changed her life forever.
“When I got the diagnosis that I was a Type 2 diabetic, I lost it. I boo-hooed. I cried. I was in shock,” she said through tears. “Type 2 diabetes means you are at a four-time greater risk of suffering a heart attack or a stroke.”
Novo Nordisk is a pharmaceutical company based in Denmark that produces the drug semaglutide, also known by brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes opened up about her Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
The three-time WNBA MVP and four-time champion didn’t hold back as she described how the diagnosis shook her. But even more heartbreaking was when she began talking about the loss of her mother, who passed away from colon cancer. At the 3:29 mark of her speech, Swoopes again became visibly emotional.
“I think it’s important for everyone to have their own support system, and I had that my entire life from my mom,” she said, voice cracking. “She was always there for me, front and center. My mom passed away from colon cancer,” she added, pausing to collect herself.
“So the last eight months of her life, I was there for her. I took care of her. I wanted to be there for her. I never wanted her to feel alone. She just gave me so much strength to deal with anything that comes my way.”
Many viewers replied with comments to show their support for Swoopes and her journey.
“She’s such an inspiration! Loved this video,” said one viewer.
“Seems like a very peaceful life now, so happy for her 🥰,” read another reply.
Swoopes’ diabetes diagnosis is a story that has become all too common.YouTube
“She’s the GOAT tbh,” said another fan.
A viewer commented, “Inspiring on and off the court!”
Swoopes is one of the true pioneers of women’s basketball. She was the first player signed to the WNBA in 1997, led the Houston Comets to four straight championships, and was a cornerstone of Team USA’s Olympic gold medal runs in 1996, 2000 and 2004.
A Hall of Famer and NCAA champion at Texas Tech, Swoopes paved the way for current stars like Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson.
Now, fans and fellow athletes alike are pouring out their support on social media, applauding her honesty and vulnerability. It’s a powerful reminder that even legends face battles off the court and that sharing those battles can be just as courageous as any game-winning shot.
Related: Sabrina Ionescu Reveals All-Time Starting 5 Without Hesitation
Related: “Too Cringe for Me”: Caitlin Clark Avoids Hype Train Unlike Fellow WNBA Stars
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
