Klara Lundquist Returns to Basketball After Battling Graves' Disease

Klara Lundquist, a prominent figure in Swedish basketball, recently opened up about her struggles with Graves' disease, a serious autoimmune disorder leading to hyperthyroidism which significantly impacted her athletic career. Diagnosed over three years ago, Lundquist experienced alarming symptoms such as severe fatigue, significant weight loss, heart palpitations, and depression, particularly while playing for Arka Gdynia in Poland.

Her time abroad was tumultuous; she noted, "I felt something was wrong in my body," which ultimately forced her to return to Sweden after just six months due to the compounding effects of her health issues. Upon her return, medical evaluations confirmed the diagnosis of Graves' disease, which explained her troubling symptoms.

Currently, Lundquist reports that she is well but remains vigilant with regular medical check-ups. Despite her recovery, she is aware of the potential for a recurrence of her condition. Her experience has not only been a personal battle but has also required mental fortitude. "I became depressed; it was hard to deal with the physical and emotional toll of the disease," she stated in a recent interview.

As she gears up to play for the Swedish national team in EuroBasket 2025, Lundquist's journey from illness to recovery serves as an inspiration. Her resilience is reflected in her hopeful outlook as the team approaches the tournament, marking her anticipated return to professional basketball after overcoming such formidable health challenges.