Hawaiian-born former ozeki Konishiki, the first wrestler from abroad to reach sumo's second-highest rank, revealed Monday that he had suffered kidney failure and undergone a successful organ transplant with his wife as the donor.
The 60-year-old, who spent more than a month in hospital with a diagnosis of obesity-related glomerulopathy, said he was recovering well from surgery to transplant the kidney from his 48-year-old wife Chie on Dec 4.
"Now I can live until the age of 99.9. I'm feeling better too," a smiling Konishiki said at a press conference after being discharged from the hospital.
"I've had a Christmas present, so I might not be getting another one. I'm thankful to my wife."
Konishiki made his sumo debut in July 1982 out of Takasago stable and was promoted to ozeki five years later. He gained popularity for his giant stature, weighing in at more than 250 kilograms, along with his powerful pushing and thrusting attacks.
The three-time Emperor's Cup winner retired in November 1997 and was briefly a sumo elder before leaving the Japan Sumo Association the following September and subsequently becoming a TV personality.
Konishiki said he has been losing weight for more than 10 years and currently weighs around 150 kg.
© KYODO
15 Comments
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Mr Kipling
I bet he doesn't. People his size rarely make it to retirement age.
Speed
Everyone, take care of your kidneys. Watch your diet and drink a lot of water. When you get a blood test next time, look at your efgr numbers:
Category 1 chronic kidney disease (CKD) (90-120) - still fairly strong.
Category 2 (60-89) a bit weaker but still OK.
Category 3a (45-59) borderline OK - need to really watch your diet.
Category 3b (30-44) starting to get a little dangerous - perhaps symptoms.
Category 4 (15-29) weak and need medical advice and help.
Category 5 (0-14) dialysis or kidney transplant. (Konishiki's situation above.)
David Brent
Just be aware that the eFGR equation they use in Japan and the one the rest of the world uses is different. If the average Westerner plugs in their numbers to the Japanese equation, it'll look like you've got kidney problems, when you haven't. Of course, 99% of Japanese doctors are unaware of this.
Negative Nancy
All the best Konishiki, arguably the first international star of sumo! And warm congratulations on securing that dishy wife!
Hawk
David Brent,
Anywhere I can read more about this? I just got a 'come back in 6 months' note on my yearly physical due to a lowish eGFR. If you don't have any, thanks for the heads up anyway!
Hawk
^ah, disregard, David Brent. I'll do it myself. I'm sure you're busy enough without me giving you homework assignments. Cheers.
Gaijinjland
Sumo… the only “sport” to my knowledge that encourages morbid obesity! This guy might make it to 70 if he looses 100 kilos…
Jay
Hi Hawk, you can read more about it on the pamphlet Big Pharma gives doctors to keep them pushing endless tests and pills instead of addressing root causes. A "lowish eGFR" sounds like a great reason to sell you the next overpriced variety of "miracle drug" you seem to enjoy that'll come with far more side effects than benefits!
Hawk
Cool, bro. Make fun of my possible kidney disease. Class act. I wonder what your imaginary friend Jesus would say.
Jay
Apologies if I've been harsh. I wouldn't wish kidney disease on anyone, and I hope you find healing. That said, mocking Jesus isn't the way to go - He'd offer you love and grace, even when you're throwing Big Pharma stones his way. I on the other hand would offer suggestions on real health - like clean eating, exercise, and skipping the poison, instead of waiting for the system to milk you dry every six months.
Hawk
You know nothing about me, Jay. I eat very well and exercise almost daily. Besides my kidneys, I got all As in the afore mentioned physical. I'm not sure what's going on, but hopefully Mr Brent is right and it could be nothing. But I will go see what an actual health professional says. Not someone who can't understand a scientific study (reddit! Lol. Still laughing at that). BTW, Jesus can blow me.
Jay
Pride month not for another half year, fruity pebble. But while you're out here slandering religious figures, how about you say the same thing about Muhammad? Go on, I'm sure it'll work out great!
Hawk
Muhammad can blow me too.
Jay
Wow. How reliable is your VPN?
Hawk
Yeah, probably shouldn't have said that. You triggered me with your comment about my health. It's been pretty stressful actually. My apologies.