Cancer athlete wins 'gold' after shutout from finals

Despite having failed to qualify for the men's 200m breaststroke finals at the Beijing Olympics, cancer-stricken US swimmer Eric Shanteau won an unexpected "gold medal" from the Chinese.

He was presented with the award from the Shanghai-based Cancer Rehabilitation Club for his fight against the disease, in the presence of 200 cancer patients from Shanghai.

"In the people's mind, you've already won a gold medal of lifetime significance. You've demonstrated great Olympic spirit with your actions," Yuan Zhengping, head of the club, told Shanteau while presenting the gift to him Saturday evening.