American Hockey Star Makes Historic Olympic Debut After Cancer Fight
Rory Guilday, a 23-year-old defender from Minnesota, is on the cusp of realizing a lifelong dream by suiting up for her first-ever Olympic hockey game. But what makes this moment even more extraordinary is the long and arduous journey she's undertaken to get here.
Guilday's path to the Olympics was not an easy one. A year ago, she found herself cut from the team that won the 2025 World Championship, a setback that could have easily derailed her career. However, with the guidance of U.S. head coach John Wroblewski, Guilday took the advice to "figure out your game" and invested time in refining her defensive skills.
The turning point in Guilday's life came when she was diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma, a benign tumor that affected her vision. She underwent chemotherapy for nine months, spending up to eight hours a day in the hospital. The grueling treatment not only took a toll on her physical strength but also left her struggling to find her footing on the ice.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Guilday persevered and eventually adapted to her new reality. Her brain adjusted, allowing her to regain confidence and fearlessness. "My body is using my left eye," she said, referring to her now 20/15 vision in her left eye. "I call it my eagle eye."
In recent years, Guilday has become an inspiration not just for hockey fans but also for those who have faced similar battles with cancer. Her journey serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity.
For Guilday, making the Olympic team is more than just a personal achievement – it's a validation of her hard work and dedication. "It makes you really appreciate when you do get to play," she said in an interview.
As Guilday prepares to take the ice for her first-ever Olympic game against Czechia on Thursday, her family will be watching from the stands. The 23-year-old has booked travel to Italy after learning of her selection, and her parents can't wait to see their daughter shine on the world stage.
Guilday's historic moment marks a milestone in American women's hockey, one that highlights the country's commitment to developing talented athletes like herself.
Rory Guilday, a 23-year-old defender from Minnesota, is on the cusp of realizing a lifelong dream by suiting up for her first-ever Olympic hockey game. But what makes this moment even more extraordinary is the long and arduous journey she's undertaken to get here.
Guilday's path to the Olympics was not an easy one. A year ago, she found herself cut from the team that won the 2025 World Championship, a setback that could have easily derailed her career. However, with the guidance of U.S. head coach John Wroblewski, Guilday took the advice to "figure out your game" and invested time in refining her defensive skills.
The turning point in Guilday's life came when she was diagnosed with an optic nerve glioma, a benign tumor that affected her vision. She underwent chemotherapy for nine months, spending up to eight hours a day in the hospital. The grueling treatment not only took a toll on her physical strength but also left her struggling to find her footing on the ice.
Despite facing numerous challenges, Guilday persevered and eventually adapted to her new reality. Her brain adjusted, allowing her to regain confidence and fearlessness. "My body is using my left eye," she said, referring to her now 20/15 vision in her left eye. "I call it my eagle eye."
In recent years, Guilday has become an inspiration not just for hockey fans but also for those who have faced similar battles with cancer. Her journey serves as a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity.
For Guilday, making the Olympic team is more than just a personal achievement – it's a validation of her hard work and dedication. "It makes you really appreciate when you do get to play," she said in an interview.
As Guilday prepares to take the ice for her first-ever Olympic game against Czechia on Thursday, her family will be watching from the stands. The 23-year-old has booked travel to Italy after learning of her selection, and her parents can't wait to see their daughter shine on the world stage.
Guilday's historic moment marks a milestone in American women's hockey, one that highlights the country's commitment to developing talented athletes like herself.
her determination is truly inspiring, even if she did have to rely on chemotherapy for almost a year to see both eyes clearly 
what's more impressive is that she didn't let her injury hold her back from pursuing her dreams
️ This young girl's story is just mind-blowing... I mean, she almost gave up on her dreams after being cut from the team but instead chose to work harder and fight cancer at the same time 
... 9 months of chemo is no joke! She's literally blind in one eye now 
but still managed to find a way to adapt and get back to hockey. It's like her body just decided to 'upgrade' its senses 
Like, I get it, she's had a tough road but what I love about her story is how it's not just about overcoming physical challenges, it's also about mental toughness and finding new ways to adapt. I mean, 20/15 vision in one eye? That's just insane! 
And you know what's even crazier? The fact that she's still got a fire in her belly to compete at the highest level 
. It gives me hope for the next gen of athletes and shows us all that with hard work and determination, we can achieve anything, no matter what life throws our way 
The fact that she's got a "eagle eye" in her left eye after going through chemotherapy is just WOW, fam! 
...I mean, who wouldn't want to take a break from cancer treatment to play some hockey, right? 
But seriously, have you seen her "eagle eye" story? Like, 20/15 vision in one eye? That's just messed up 
. I'm sure she had to deal with so much pain and fatigue during that nine-month chemo session...and now she's just gonna lace up those skates again 
. Give me a break, right?
this is literally the most inspiring story I've heard all year! Rory Guilday's journey is proof that with determination & perseverance, you can overcome even the toughest obstacles 
is EVERYTHING. I'm literally cheering her on from my screen 
Can't wait to see her shine on the ice Thursday! 
It's like she's defying the odds and proving everyone wrong 
. And now, she gets to make her Olympic debut and it's just... *chef's kiss* 
. This is what sports are all about - perseverance, determination, and pushing through obstacles 
. Can't wait to see her shine on the ice and make history 
!
. Making the Olympic team is a huge deal, not just for Guilday, but for the entire US hockey community 
! Cancer, hospital stays, and still manages to make it to the Olympics 
? I got so much respect for her 
. Like, what's next, saving the world from pucks and sticks 
- this is truly a historic moment for American women's hockey 
Like, who needs superhero powers when you've got cancer-fighting determination 
. Can't wait to see her shine on that ice! 
️
. What does that even say about her skills? Is this just a case of "I'm so inspirational I'll automatically make my first Olympic game" 
. Love her "eagle eye" motto – that's some next-level positivity