Student Athlete Returned to Water Polo After Cancer
A Los Angeles high school player is back in the pool following a months-long battle with Ewing sarcoma.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Swimming
Oliver Ghiassi returned to high school water polo competition on September 23 after being sidelined by a cancer diagnosis. His team, Palisades High, secured a 12-10 victory over Venice High School during the match.
Why it matters
Ghiassi's return highlights the physical recovery process for young athletes following intensive medical intervention. The student's transition back to competitive play provides insight into the typical management of post-treatment athletic performance.
Ghiassi underwent chemotherapy treatment from June through August 2026 after receiving a diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma on February 18, 2026. Following this period, he returned to competition, playing between one-third and one-half of the Venice High School game.
The players
Oliver Ghiassi
A student athlete at Palisades High who recently resumed competitive water polo following treatment for Ewing sarcoma.
Palisades High
A Los Angeles secondary school with a competitive water polo program that recently participated in the South Bay Tournament.
The details
Ewing sarcoma is a rare bone cancer that necessitates aggressive treatment, typically involving chemotherapy to reduce tumor size and address potential systemic spread. Ghiassi's return to the water required a gradual reentry, with his playing time limited to a fraction of the game against Venice. This approach monitors the body's response to exertion after significant depletion of lean muscle mass and endurance resulting from the treatment regimen.
Timeline
February 18, 2026: Ghiassi was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma.
June 2026 through August 2026: Ghiassi underwent chemotherapy.
September 23, 2026: Ghiassi returned to high school water polo competition.
October 1, 2026: Palisades High will host University High School.
Health Landscape
The athlete's return to play follows the standard completion of intensive chemotherapy cycles as defined by major pediatric oncology treatment programs. This progress reflects the current approach to recovery for adolescent patients treated under the Children's Oncology Group Ewing sarcoma protocols.
Returning to intensive athletics after a major illness requires close monitoring of fatigue levels and physical readiness. Always discuss an appropriate training schedule and exertion limits with your primary care physician or pediatric specialist before resuming high-impact competition.
The takeaway
Recovery from pediatric cancer is a rigorous process that involves carefully measured milestones for returning to daily activities. Athletes should focus on progressive physical rehabilitation and clear communication with their care team regarding endurance thresholds.
What happens next
Palisades High is scheduled to host University High School at the Maggie Gilbert Aquatic Center on October 1, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on the physical demands of aquatic sports, visit the Swimming section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Palisadian-Post.
