For much of the past year, Austrian beach volleyball player Laurenz Leitner has lived a very different rhythm from the one that usually defines his life on tour. Away from competition and focused on treatment, the time off the court offered space to reflect on the sport, the people around it and the path back to doing what he loves most.
Earlier this year, the 24-year-old made his illness public after surgery to remove a swollen lymph node led to further examinations and treatment. The decision to speak openly was not immediate, but it came from a desire to be clear about his absence and honest with those following his career.
“It was the longest period I have ever been off the court, and it definitely felt like it,” Leitner said. “At the beginning, I did not know if I should make my diagnosis public or not. But I felt it was the right decision, as some people might have asked why I was not playing, and I did not want any rumours to spread. I thought it only made sense to communicate it openly and honestly.”
Once he shared his story, the response from the volleyball world quickly followed, offering encouragement at a time when competition was no longer the focus.
“Sharing my story publicly definitely helped me, as I received many positive messages from Austrian and international players wishing me a quick recovery and letting me know they were thinking about me,” Leitner said. “I really believe the beach volleyball community is one of the most supportive when it comes to situations like this.”
More recently, Leitner shared a positive update on his recovery in an Instagram post, pointing to encouraging progress following medical reviews.
“Debriefing went well. All the results looked good and I can take out my port catheter tomorrow,” he wrote. “Meaning I can now fully focus on getting back on the court.”
He described the moment as an important step after a prolonged period of treatment and uncertainty.
“Really happy right now, this is probably the best early Christmas gift I could have asked for,” he wrote, adding that he remains focused on listening to his body and allowing himself the necessary time to recover.
While treatment kept him away from the court, Leitner found ways to remain connected to the sport, even from a distance. Following competitions, watching matches online and staying in touch with events helped bridge a gap he initially feared would feel much wider.
“Throughout my therapy process, which lasted for much of the year, I tried not to lose too much contact with the sport,” he said. “It was a forced distance that I was afraid of at first, but looking back now, I am very grateful for it because it showed me how much this sport means to me.”
His presence at events was limited, but even brief moments around the game helped shift his focus from absence to anticipation.
“By watching many competitions on stream and visiting only two Austrian events during the summer, I became very excited about being back on the court as soon as possible,” Leitner said.
The months away also changed how he viewed the routine demands of professional beach volleyball, particularly the constant travel that had once felt normal.
“At first, I knew it would probably be the toughest year for me, but I also knew I would do everything it takes to be healthy again and competing once this is all over,” he said. “There was a time when I was almost tired of sitting on planes and travelling, but now it has become a big lesson not to take it for granted that I can travel the world and do what I love, playing beach volleyball.”
“I am very excited to travel again and be back on some beautiful beaches around the world,” he added.
The early stages of his diagnosis brought uncertainty, with questions about what lay ahead and how the process would affect both his body and his career.
“At the beginning of my diagnosis, I was very anxious because I had never had any experience with cancer,” Leitner said. “I did not know what this would mean for my body, what it would mean for my career, or what the treatment would look like.”
Accepting the situation quickly became part of moving forward.
“All I knew was that I had no other choice than to accept it as quickly as possible, look ahead and push through the therapies,” he said.
Over time, interactions with other patients and messages from people facing similar situations helped place his own experience into a broader perspective.
“Over time, I learned a lot about the whole process and realised that there are many kinds of cancer and many different treatments,” Leitner said. “I met many other cancer patients during my hospital stays, and on social media I received many messages from people going through similar situations.”
Maintaining balance through that period required constant effort, particularly on days when progress felt uncertain.
“I always tried to keep a positive mindset because I knew that would be the factor that would get me through this period,” Leitner said. “Of course, there were days when I struggled and had doubts about being back on the court, but I always made sure those moments did not last too long.”
Now looking ahead, Leitner hopes the experience serves as a reminder of what the sport and its opportunities truly mean.
“I hope that through this experience I can show people that we should not take life for granted, especially being able to travel the world and play the sport we love,” he said. “And even when dark times come, there is always a way out, and keeping a positive and clear mind will help lead the way.”
