The 22-year-old Nadia Popovici, a fan who was sitting in the stands, turns out to be the heroine of the day. Although the match was already in full swing, she noticed a completely different detail. “The birthmark on your neck could possibly be a cancer, please see a doctor,” she wrote on her phone, held against the plexiglass. Coincidentally, she was sitting right behind the coach, notably the opponent, with whom she noticed that spot.
Nadia Popovici with the text she showed to coach Hamilton.
â“’ AP
Fortunately, Hamilton was aware of the warning and had himself checked by a sports doctor that week. It turned out to be a malignant tumor, a so-called melanoma, which required prompt medical intervention. The trainer has since recovered. The incident took place in October last year. “I owed it to her to have the birthmark checked,” Hamilton told American media.
Popovici, who was only later ‘discovered’ via social media, will be rewarded for her alert remark with a $10,000 scholarship, equivalent to 8,850 euros. Her prize was announced to loud cheers during a new match at the stadium. She previously worked at the hospital, where she saw patients with the same form of skin cancer. “That’s karma,” said one of the commentators during the broadcast of the match.
