Martin Tyler confirms surgery to save iconic voice in 'frightening' situation
Legendary commentator Martin Tyler has opened up on the “miracle” of taking up the mic once again after surgery saved him from permanent damage.
The Sky Sports legend has become one of the most recognisable voices in sports over a stunning 50-year career in commentary.
However, he could have lost his voice after encountering health issues at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He was forced to undergo surgery to avoid the damage becoming permanent.
"I overused my voice and the climate in Qatar affected my cords so I realised I needed help," Tyler revealed to The Daily Star. “My voice is my identity but the thought of not working again wasn’t the worst part of it, not being able to socialise was a real prospect.
“Not being able to answer the phone, go for coffee with friend and only talking to those who were very close me was frightening. I’ve had a very long career so losing my living had financial implications, but it was the loss of socialising that hit me.
“When I lost my voice I had to go to a few events and it was very difficult. I either had to hide my condition or reveal to people I was close to and who I trusted."
Examinations at St George’s Hospital found keratosis - a growth of keratin - on his larynx. Tyler underwent an operation to rectify the issue - a procedure that was successful.
He then required help from the hospital’s speech and language voice therapy team in order to rediscover his iconic voice. Opening up further on his treatment, the now 78-year-old added: "I cannot be more grateful to how I was treated at St George’s.
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“They are wonderful people at looking after patients’ best interests. I am really grateful for their care. I was treated splendidly with care and with humour, which is very important to keep your spirits up.
“Since my treatment I have done 40 commentaries. It’s a miracle. It (my voice) didn’t mean anything to me before, but it now means to me not taking my voice for granted. The loss of my voice and the potential of losing it forever was the worst-case scenario."
Despite stepping down from his Premier League commitments with Sky Sports, Tyler can still be found on the small screen. He often appears on TNT Sports for their coverage of the Champions League.
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