Long lost interview with Terry Fox

Some scenes of Terry Fox's run are so familiar they are almost iconic. But you probably haven't seen this long-lost interview with the legendary runner.



In 2005, the CBC rediscovered a Terry Fox tape listed simply as "Near Corner Brook." The original tape was not catalogued in the national system, and only resurfaced 25 years later. On the tape was a seven-minute May 1, 1980 roadside interview with Fix.

Sporting a fuzzy toque and full sweatsuit, Fox talks to CBC reporter Joe Mullins about everything from his family and chemotherapy to his malfunctioning artificial leg and his diet on the road.

The leg he used was primitive by today's standards, but nonetheless was an efficient design of adjustable-tension springs, gears and fiberglass. The valve he discusses with Mullins was designed to release pressure from around the stump of Terry's amputated leg. Despite the daily pounding the artificial leg took, it rarely broke down.

Fox had a heart condition called ventricular hypertrophy, an enlarged heart caused by the inflammation of a valve. It can be congenital, or it may be brought on by stress such as hypertension or heavy exercise (many athletes have the condition). Terry believed it was caused by his chemotherapy treatments. As far as the Marathon of Hope was concerned, Fox's heart condition was considered a more serious threat than the idea that his cancer might return.

Fox had his heart X-rayed once before the starting his Marathon of Hope, but would not have it X-rayed again. A National Cancer Institute doctor became concerned by reports, and booked a medical examination for Fox in Corner Brook. But he skipped the appointment.

Posted on Oct 1, 2011 6:00:00 AM