Mumbai, March 24: Arm raised in celebration, David Brooks wore his national jersey proudly during the World Cup. However, his radiant smile masked a deeper story. The plan was to be on the field, not in the stands, as Wales celebrated their first global finals in 64 years.
No plan includes a cancer diagnosis that halts not just a career but life itself. Brooks, who had been given the all-clear from Stage Two Hodgkin lymphoma, watched his teammates pursue their dreams in Doha in 2022. The physical toll of his illness and rigorous chemotherapy had sidelined him.
Now, four years later, with Wales on the brink of qualification once again, the challenge of the play-offs seems trivial compared to what Brooks has overcome. “He wouldn’t show it, but watching those games and not being out there wasn’t easy for him,” said Tom Lockyer, a teammate and close friend. “He has turned that into motivation.”
Brooks received his diagnosis in October 2021 while on a training camp with Wales. He had been feeling unusually fatigued, prompting questions from his club manager about his performance. “I was on Facetime with him when he got the knock on the door,” Lockyer recalled. “After that, he had to take a call about further tests, which we now know revealed the seriousness of his condition.”
This was a challenging time for someone known for his infectious smile and humor. “The priority was for him to get healthy,” said Chris Mepham, another teammate. “We all supported him through that, and once he was healthy, it was about getting back to his best.”
During treatment, Brooks struggled with basic activities, let alone rigorous training. When he returned to the pitch in May 2022, he faced the daunting task of shedding 20kg before regaining peak fitness. He was uncertain if he would ever represent Wales again. However, after watching Wales qualify against Ukraine in June, hopes of a World Cup return were reignited.
Brooks faced setbacks, including a hamstring injury that dashed his World Cup dreams in August. “He pushed too hard to return,” Lockyer noted. “He watched the group stage exit from the sidelines, wishing he could contribute.”
Despite the challenges, Brooks’s talent has always shone through. Since his debut in 2017, he has captivated Welsh fans with his skillful play. After a loan spell with Southampton, he returned to Bournemouth, earning a new four-year contract recently.
Brooks’s performance has been impressive, ranking among the Premier League’s top players for expected assists and ball carries leading to chances. “He’s really stepped up,” said Joe Partington, a former teammate. “His influence on and off the pitch is significant.”
Kieffer Moore, another former teammate, echoed this sentiment. “He’s gone from strength to strength, remarkable considering what he’s been through,” he said. Lockyer added, “He’s always been optimistic. Now he has another chance to show the world his talent.”
Brooks’s journey from battling cancer to aiming for global recognition is not just inspiring; it’s a testament to resilience and determination.
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